Assistant Professor-Theories of Civil Society and Civil Discourse

About the role

The Department of Political Science and the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse invite applications for a 9‑month, full‑time, tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Political Science, beginning 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 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.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system transforms the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of its 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, the 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 system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on civil society, public discourse, norms, practices, and institutions that sustain a pluralistic civil society.
• Examine the responsibilities of citizens within civil society.
• Engage with historical traditions of American civic thought and apply them to contemporary issues of public discourse, political polarization, and civic engagement.
• Prioritize commitment to the mission of the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse.
• Contribute to teaching and service within the Department of Political Science as appropriate for a tenure‑track faculty member.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field is required by the start date.
• Well‑conceived, theoretically informed research agenda with the potential to publish, or a record of publication, in high‑impact professional journals.

Benefits

• 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

Schedule

9‑month, full‑time position.