Assistant Professor, GIScience

Posting Number

FAC00131PO26

Advertised Title

Assistant Professor, GIScience

Campus

Columbia

College/Division

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

CAS Geography

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 Geography in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in GIScience, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027.

We seek an emerging scholar whose research and teaching engage the frontiers of GIScienceand cutting-edge geospatial technologies. Areas of interest that advance GIScience concepts, theories and/or methods include, but are not limited to, GIS modeling, digital cartography, geo-visualization, spatial statistics, GeoAI and Geospatial Intelligence, with potential topical applications in environmental hazards, human-environment interactions, sustainable development, spatial inequities, health, energy, urban planning and related fields. The successful candidate will be expected to continue the department’s strong tradition of leadership in the field, contribute to a collaborative research environment, and foster partnerships across campus and beyond. We are interested in a candidate who wishes to play a leading role in the future of GIScience.

Teaching responsibilities will include supporting and advancing fundamental GIS courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supporting the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) certificate, as well as developing new courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. The successful candidate will teach four courses per academic year (two per semester) and is expected to participate in graduate student recruitment and supervision.

The Department currently comprises nineteen tenured/tenure-track faculty and one full-time instructor. Faculty research interests span resource politics, environmental hazards, human rights, coastal geomorphology, energy geographies, health, GIS and remote sensing, biogeography, migration, and climate change, with collaborations across the college, university, and beyond. In addition, the Department faculty lead several institutes and centers including the Hazards, Vulnerability and Resilience Institute (HVRI), Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, and the Center for GIScience and Geospatial Big Data. The Department offers PhD, MS, MA, BS, and BA degrees. For more information about the Department of Geography, please visit https://sc.edu/study/colleges\_schools/artsandsciences/geography.

Required Education and Experience

Candidates must have a PhD in Geography, GIScience, or related field by the time of appointment. ABD candidates whose degrees will be completed by the start date are eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to be an outstanding researcher, along with a desire to pursue excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD in Geography, GIScience, or related field by the time of appointment. ABD candidates whose degrees will be completed by the start date are eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to be an outstanding researcher, along with a desire to pursue excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date

08/16/2027

Job Open Date

09/30/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applications must include: (1) A one-page cover letter describing the candidate’s interest in the position and summarizing qualifications relevant to the advertised requirements; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a research statement, not exceeding two pages, describing prior contributions and an independent future research agenda; (4) a teaching and mentoring statement, not exceeding one page, identifying courses the applicant is prepared to teach and their approach to student learning and mentorship; (5) one representative scholarly work, published, in press, or under review, with a brief statement of the applicant’s contribution if co-authored; and (6) the names and email addresses of three professional references. Applicants may also submit one additional representative scholarly work (optional).

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.Reference letters will be solicited for candidates that best meet the qualifications for this position. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Cuizhen (Susan) Wang at [email protected].

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time.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.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213794

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.