Assistant Professor-Theories of Civil Society and Civil Discourse

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number FAC00129PO26 Advertised Title Assistant Professor-Theories of Civil Society and Civil Discourse Campus Columbia College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS Political Science Advertised Salary Range We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 40 Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis 9 months Work County Richland Tenure Information Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category Faculty

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Department of Political Science and the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, an academic center in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina invite applications to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Political Science, to begin August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will be appointed in the Department of Political Science.

Applications are invited from scholars of civil society and public discourse in the American tradition. We seek candidates whose research considers the norms, practices, and institutions that sustain a flourishing and pluralistic civil society; as well as the responsibilities of citizens within it. Preferred candidates will engage with the historical traditions of American civic thought, and also bring these resources to bear on contemporary issues of public discourse, political polarization, and civic engagement. The successful candidate is expected to prioritize commitment to the Center's mission as described below.

Required Education and Experience

• A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field is required by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field is required by the start date.
• We seek candidates with well-conceived, theoretically informed research agendas who have the potential to publish, or have published, in high impact professional journals.

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date 08/16/2027 Job Open Date 09/28/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant

Letters of reference will be requested upon submission of your application. Review of applications will begin October 14, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Christopher Tollefsen at Tollefsen@sc.edu.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213770 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Other Supporting Documents
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement