Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Psychology DBER (Discipline Based Educational Researcher)
Position Description
The faculty of the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2026. The institution currently has existing DBER tenure-track faculty with STEM disciplinary identities in mathematics and the geosciences.
The position requires a Ph.D. in Psychology, in a subfield that complements existing areas of study in the department (Clinical-Community Psychology, School Psychology, Quantitative Psychology, Cognitive and Neural Sciences). The successful candidate is also required to have a demonstrated record of high impact research productivity, an established research program focusing on Teaching and Learning in Psychology, with a comprehensive understanding of best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning as applied to the psychology discipline.
Other qualifications include a commitment to undergraduate research and mentoring, interest in innovative curriculum design and delivery, and support for inclusive and authentic learning and assessment within the academic unit. We are looking to complement current DBER faculty whose interests include science communication, graduate education and mentorship in teaching, augmented and virtual reality in STEM, and faculty development.
The successful candidate will be expected to seek external funding to support their research and to contribute to the broader academic missions of the Department and the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences through both undergraduate and graduate teaching, including courses related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
The University of South Carolina is a Carnegie University of Very High Research Activity and of Community Engagement. The Psychology Department averages more than $10 million annually in extramural research funding, has 80+ doctoral students across four areas of study (Clinical-Community, School, Quantitative, Cognitive and Neural Sciences), and more than 1400 undergraduate majors. For more information about the department, please visit our website at https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/psychology/.
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.
The greater Columbia (state capital) area hosts historical and cultural attractions, festivals, performing arts and sporting events, parks and considerable outdoor recreation, and an easily accessible airport.The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Finally, the University of South Carolina strives to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
How to Apply
All applications require: 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vita; 3) research statement; 4) teaching statement; and 5) contact information for three references. Candidates should submit their complete applications at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. (https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195574)
For priority consideration, applicants are encouraged the submit their materials prior to November 3, 2025, when application review will begin. The position will remain open until filled, however. Inquiries about this posting should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Amanda Fairchild ([email protected])
