Tenure-Track Associate or Full Professor in Artificial Intelligence

Description

The College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina is seeking applicants for several faculty positions with a focus on in artificial intelligence to bolster its commitment to advance education, scholarship and programmatic efforts related to emerging information technologies. Within the College, these positions will be housed across the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Information Science (iSchool).

The library and information science profession is rapidly changing and future information professionals will need expertise in data science, machine learning, and application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The iSchool is expanding its faculty to address the growing need for information professionals trained to understand and apply AI technologies in various information organizations including libraries, museums, government organizations, and private corporations. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI to society and the significant impact on libraries and information organizations, the iSchool is seeking applicants for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of either Associate Professor or full Professor focused on AI related to library and information science to begin August 16, 2025. 

We seek scholars whose research, teaching, and impact in the field will advance one or more dimensions of AI in libraries and information organizations, including but not limited to:

• Design: Conceptualizing, creating, and evaluating AI-based designs, such as innovative tools or curricula used in libraries, government, and other information organizations
• Practice: Analyzing the potential and complexities of AI as it relates to libraries, librarianship, and teaching and learning.
• Ethical and Societal Implications: Interrogating the ethical, historical, and cultural impacts of AI including considerations of privacy and bias.

The successful candidate will join a team of faculty and will be expected to: (1) establish/continue a strong and ongoing agenda for research; (2) teach in both face-to-face and online environments, primarily at the graduate level, with opportunities to teach in the undergraduate program; (3) develop courses focused on AI, especially AI and libraries; and (4) mentor graduate students.

The School of Information Science

Our diverse, engaged faculty and staff enjoy a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment within the school. In addition, a rich potential for collaborative and interdisciplinary connections exists across the university. The iSchool currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, an online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), an online Master’s in Information Security and Cyber Leadership, and a PhD in Library and Information Science. Our active faculty are members, scholars, and leaders within the American Library Association (ALA), Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), and Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE). The MLIS program and school library program are nationally ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report. 

College of Information and Communications 

The College of Information and Communications is home to two nationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Information Science. The college provides outstanding teaching, research, and community outreach. As such, it is one of only a few universities to combine its communications and information science programs, two rapidly evolving — and converging — fields united by a shared belief that information accessibility is the cornerstone of self-governance. The College has approximately 1,800 undergraduates, 500 graduate students, and more than 100 faculty and staff members. New assets available to faculty and students in both schools include The Social Media Insights Lab and the Biometric and User Experience Lab. Both are designed to facilitate the study of issues related to data, media, and their impact on society. 

The University of South Carolina 

The University of South Carolina in Columbia is the major research institution of the University of South Carolina system and its largest campus, enrolling approximately 35,000 students. The university offers over 320 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional program levels. Founded in 1801, it is among America’s oldest and most comprehensive public universities and is one of only 32 public universities to earn the Carnegie Foundation’s top-tier designations in both research activity and community engagement. South Carolina’s capital city is currently undergoing several urban revitalization projects and offers residents a growing range of artistic, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Application Process 

All applicants must complete an online application at USC Jobs at the following link: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/174267. Applications are due by September 23, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents: 

1. Letter of application (includes a research statement demonstrating AI as a core area of emphasis)
   
   
2. Curriculum vitae
   
   
3. Two sample publications or pieces of scholarly work
   
   
4. List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
   
   
5. Three letters of recommendation, signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists). While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.

For further information or questions about this position, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Kim Thompson at [email protected]

 
EEO Statement
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.

Requirements

• PhD in library/information studies or closely related field, plus relevant experience consistent with academic policy by the start date of employment (at least 5 years for Associate Professor rank or at least 9 years for full Professor rank).
• Evidence of focused/established scholarly agenda consistent with applicable faculty rank.
• Record of research on AI, such as AI impacts on libraries and librarianship, ethics in AI, AI literacy, designing creative and inclusive library spaces that incorporated AI, and development of AI-enriched curriculum for various age groups and evaluation of AI-based designs (e.g., online platforms, tools, and curriculum).
• Record of teaching effectiveness to include but not limited to sample syllabi, course evaluations, awards, or peer reviews of teaching.
• Ability to advise graduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
• Evidence/potential to develop extramural funding related to the intersection of AI and library and information studies.
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research.