Tenure Track Assistant Professors

The Arnold School of Public Health (ASPH) and the College of Nursing (CON) at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) invite applications for ten tenure-track faculty positions as part of the inaugural NIH-funded UofSC FIRST FIIRRE program. The multi-year NIH FIRST (Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation) initiative intends to enhance inclusive excellence at competitively determined institutions across the United States. In the context of UofSC's strategic plan, the FIRST FIIRRE (Faculty Initiative for Improved Recruitment, Retention, and Experience) team has developed a tailored strategy to achieve significant and sustainable institutional culture change by implementing institutional programs and practices that support inclusive excellence. As part of the FIRST FIIRRE cluster recruitment, UofSC seeks diverse candidates from all areas of public health and nursing who (1) have a research focus on health disparities or inequities within their respective discipline, (2) have a strong record of promoting diversity and inclusive excellence, and (3) have not previously held a tenure-track position.

Successful candidates will have a primary tenure track appointment in either ASPH or CON with the possibility of joint/secondary appointments to other units. These appointments feature 75% protected research time until receipt of tenure and will be expected to contribute to the teaching and service mission of UofSC. The FIRST FIIRRE program will offer candidates competitive salaries, start-up packages, comprehensive onboarding support, extensive faculty development, and career advancement services, and tailored support from a diverse mentoring team.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a doctoral degree or equivalent training that prepares them for a career as an independent researcher in the broadly defined fields of public health or nursing. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to conducting rigorous, high-level research with potential for NIH funding, including the production of scholarly publications; have a track record for, or show the potential to receive external funding; and have a strong, documented commitment to inclusive excellence. The FIRST program is especially interested in candidates from groups who are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences, such as racial and ethnic minoritized populations, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and women.

UofSC is a comprehensive university and has received the top ranking by the Carnegie Foundation as an institution with "Highest Research Activity and Community Engagement." Located in South Carolina's capital city of Columbia, UofSC has four Health Science Units in addition to ASPH and CON: 1) School of Medicine in Columbia, 2) School of Medicine in Greenville, 3) College of Pharmacy, and 4) College of Social Work. ASPH, founded in 1975, has the second largest overall enrollment nationally among schools of public health at public universities. ASPH consists of six departments and several research centers that address topics such as disease prevention, nutrition and physical activity, cancer, health services and policy, rural health, HIV/AIDS, aging, and health disparities. Nursing at the UofSC began in 1942 and continues to set the standard for nursing education in South Carolina. With an emphasis on health equity, the signature research areas in the CON include cancer survivorship, chronic conditions  and care transitions, big data and bioinformatics, family and child health, and inter-professional education and training.

Our diverse, engaged faculty and staff enjoy a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment. In addition, a rich potential for collaborative and interdisciplinary connections exists across the university, including, for example, the Institute for African American Research; the Institute for Artificial Intelligence; the Big Data Health Science Center; the Hazards and Vulnerability Institute; the McCausland Brain Imaging Center; the Research Consortium on Children and Families; the Center for Civil Rights History & Research; and the Center for the Education and Equity for African American Students.

Columbia, SC, enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually and has ready access to pristine beaches, lakes, rivers, and mountains. The city hosts historical and cultural attractions, festivals, performing arts and sporting events, parks and outdoor recreation, including Congaree National Park and 50,000-acre Lake Murray.

How to apply. Applications require the following: 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) research statement; 4) teaching statement; and 5)  statement regarding the candidate's knowledge about, track record in promoting, and plans for advancing equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging;  6) contact information for three references.

Submit your application at the following links:

For position in ASPH: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/134695

For positions in CON: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/135195

For additional information please contact: Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, Telephone: (803) 777-7353, Fax: (803) 777-2524 or Department of Biobehavioral Health & Nursing Science, 1601 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, Telephone: (803) 777-5217.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled by August 2024. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2023.

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities based on race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The University of South Carolina offers a robust benefits package described at: http://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/human_resources/benefits/index.php.