Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Assistant Professor Health Communication in Columbi

Overview

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Health Communication with an expected start date of August 16, 2026.

We seek a scholar-teacher whose program of research advances theory and practice in health communication, with strengths that complement our school and college.

This position is part of a Presidential-level cluster hiring initiative addressing pressing issues in health and well-being through collaborative and interdisciplinary research.

The successful candidate will conduct original research, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, pursue external funding, mentor students, and engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.

We welcome a wide range of expertise in health communication but prefer a focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms.

Areas of interest include: patient-provider communication in health contexts; health communication campaign design, implementation, and evaluation; digital health communication technologies such as mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms; the role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in health information and media; information integrity and trust in health communication including the role of social media platforms; media coverage and representation of health issues; strategic communication and public relations in healthcare; and innovative approaches such as immersive media, interactive platforms, or data visualization to advance health communication research and practice.

The ideal candidate will enhance the school’s reputation in health communication through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and meaningful collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in health communication and publish findings in peer-reviewed venues.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Pursue external funding and manage grant activities.
• Mentor students and engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.
• Participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary research initiatives as part of cluster hiring.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Health Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Communication, Journalism, or a related field by the start date of the position.
  
  ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
• An emerging record of scholarly publications or creative activity in health communication.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Area of focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms.

Application Details

Applications are due by October 27, 2025.

The position will remain open until filled.

To apply, please visit:

Documents to Upload

• Letter of application addressing interests and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
• Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists).
  
  While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.

Contact

Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brett Robertson at br31@mailbox.sc.edu.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of 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.