"Assistant Professor – Health Communication"

Job Summary

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Health Communication with an expected start date of August 16, 2026. We seek a scholar-teacher whose program of research advances theory and practice in health communication, with strengths that complement our school and college. This position is also part of a Presidential-level cluster hiring initiative that addresses pressing issues in health and well-being through collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will conduct original research, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, pursue external funding, mentor students, and engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.

We welcome a wide range of expertise in health communication but prefer a focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms. Areas of interest include one or more of the following: patient-provider communication in health contexts; health communication campaign design, implementation, and evaluation; digital health communication technologies such as mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms; the role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in health information and media; information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms; media coverage and representation of health issues; strategic communication and public relations in healthcare; and innovative approaches such as immersive media, interactive platforms, or data visualization to advance health communication research and practice.

The ideal candidate will enhance the school’s reputation in health communication through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and meaningful collaboration.

About the College and School

The College of Information and Communications (CIC) is home to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) and the School of Information Science (iSchool), along with the new interdisciplinary unit of Information and Communication Studies. The CIC enrolls approximately 1,800 undergraduates and 500 graduate students and is supported by more than 150 faculty and staff members.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduates and 120 graduate students across programs in advertising, public relations, broadcast journalism, journalism, mass communication, sports media, and visual communication, as well as several interdisciplinary minors.

Required Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Health Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Communication, Journalism, or a related field by the start date of the position. ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
• An emerging record of scholarly publications or creative activity in health communication.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding.

Preferred Qualifications

Area of focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms.

Desired Start Date

08/16/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applications are due by October 27, 2025. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents: Letter of application, Curriculum vitae, List of three references, and Three letters of recommendation for finalists.

Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brett Robertson at br31@mailbox.sc.edu.