ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITIONS

Open-Rank Faculty Position in Educational Psychology

Specialization in Developmental Psychology

The College of Education at the University of South Carolina (USC) invites applications for an open-rank, tenure-track or tenured faculty position in Educational Psychology, with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. Applicants at all ranks are encouraged to apply.

We seek an accomplished scholar whose research advances understanding of developmental processes that influence learning, behavior, and educational outcomes. Areas of scholarly interest may include brain and cognitive development, social and emotional development, self-regulation and executive function, and the interplay of biological, social, and contextual influences on learning and human development. We particularly welcome research on child and adolescent development that connects developmental science and neuroscience with teaching, learning, and educational practice. This may include scholarship on neurodevelopment and the educational experiences of neurodivergent youth, as well as research that helps educators interpret and apply neuroscientific findings. We welcome candidates employing diverse theoretical perspectives and utilizing rigorous methodological approaches in research applications. Alignment with USC’s brain health initiatives is preferred but not required.

The successful candidate will join the Educational Psychology and Research program in the interdisciplinary Department of Educational and Developmental Science. The program combines expertise in learning and human development with strengths in quantitative methods, measurement, and program evaluation. Collaboration opportunities include the Yvonne and Schuyler Moore Child Development Research Center (CDRC), whose partnerships with schools, communities, and state agencies connect developmental research with educational practice and policy.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to advance the academic mission of the department and College of Education through research, undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. Responsibilities include:

1. Teaching existing courses within the Educational Psychology and Research program with potential opportunities to develop new course offerings
2. Establishing and/or sustaining a nationally recognized, externally funded program of research
3. Contributing to graduate education and doctoral mentorship
4. Engaging in interdisciplinary scholarship

The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, is the state’s flagship public research university and a Carnegie R1 institution committed to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. USC is making substantial strategic investments in brain health, positioning this area as an emerging focal point of institutional excellence. Recent initiatives include the establishment of the statewide USC Brain Health Network, the opening of the USC Brain Health Center, and plans for a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center. The Brain Health Network currently includes seven clinics serving communities across South Carolina, while the Brain Health Center brings together advanced neuroimaging, research, and specialized clinical services. These investments complement the university’s broader strengths in developmental science, cognition, neuroscience, and health-related research.

These initiatives create opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship examining the relationships among brain development, cognition, learning, behavior, and well-being. Scholars whose research bridges developmental psychology and education will find opportunities to contribute to and help lead interdisciplinary initiatives that advance the university’s research priorities and national reputation.

Required Education and Experience

All candidates must have the following:

• Applicants must hold an earned doctorate in Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
• Candidates must demonstrate a focused program of scholarship examining developmental processes relevant to learning and education, evidence of or potential for excellence in graduate teaching and doctoral mentorship, and the ability to contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Expectations for scholarly productivity, extramural funding, national reputation, and professional contributions will be commensurate with rank.
• All candidates must also have years of relevant academic experience commensurate with academic policy.

Requirements by rank

• Candidates for the rank of Assistant Professor must demonstrate evidence of research productivity through peer-reviewed publications, a clear trajectory of scholarly contributions, and strong potential to secure competitive extramural research funding. Potential for excellence in teaching, doctoral mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration is also required.
• Candidates for the rank of Associate Professor must demonstrate evidence of consistent scholarly productivity, an established national reputation, and success in securing competitive extramural research funding. Candidates must also demonstrate effective teaching, doctoral mentorship, and contributions to professional service.
• Candidates for the rank of Professor must demonstrate evidence of influential peer-reviewed scholarship, sustained success in securing competitive extramural research funding, and a continued trajectory of scholarly productivity and impact. A strong record of doctoral mentorship, teaching, and substantive contributions to the discipline is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the capacity to provide scholarly leadership, expand externally funded research, and advance the national reputation of the College of Education and the university, and those qualified for appointment at the rank of Professor.

Particularly desirable qualifications include:

• A distinguished and sustained record of scholarly productivity and national or international recognition.
• Demonstrated success in leading externally funded research programs as a principal investigator or project director from IES, NSF, NIH, or comparable sources.
• A record of intellectual and scholarly leadership demonstrated through influential research, citations, interdisciplinary initiatives, editorial roles, professional leadership, or contributions that have advanced the field.
• Experience developing and sustaining productive interdisciplinary research teams, collaborative partnerships, or major research initiatives.
• A strong record of mentoring doctoral students and early-career scholars.
• The capacity to strengthen the university’s research infrastructure, cultivate strategic partnerships, and pursue significant opportunities for extramural funding.
• A research program that complements USC’s brain health initiatives.

Salary and position information

Salary is competitive commensurate with experience.

• Campus: Columbia
• College/Division: College of Education
• Department: CED Educational & Developmental Science
• Location of Vacancy: Columbia, SC
• Part/Full Time: Full Time
• Hours per Week: 37.5
• Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
• Basis: 9 months
• Work County: Richland
• Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
• Job Search Category: Faculty

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.

Application instructions

The College of Education application process is conducted through electronic communication. Required documents to upload to this posting are: (1) A cover letter describing the applicant’s research program, accomplishments and plans for extramural funding, teaching and mentorship, and alignment with the position (candidates applying at the Professor rank are encouraged to describe their experience leading research initiatives, developing interdisciplinary partnerships, and securing sustained extramural support), (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) list of at least three professional references to include e-mail addresses and phone numbers, and (4) unofficial transcripts for all earned degrees (upload as one PDF document under tab for “other supporting documents”. Official transcripts required for all finalists).

SPECIAL NOTE FOR ALL FINALISTS: The online submission of at least three (3) letters of recommendation (on letterhead) will be required from the references listed on the application as provided by the candidate. Each reference listed will be prompted by an email notification on when to upload their letter of recommendation to our online system.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2027. Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Greg Trevors, Search Committee Chair, trevorsg@mailbox.sc.edu.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Other Supporting Documents
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Research Portfolio
• Teaching Portfolio

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.