"RETL- Assistant Professor-Sustainability(Faculty position, Tenure Track)"

The Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina, housed within the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management (HRSM), invites applications for a tenure-track faculty 9-month position at the Assistant Professor level. We are seeking a forward-thinking scholar whose research and teaching integrate sustainability as a core business strategy, creating value while addressing environmental challenges in the retailing, fashion merchandising, and textiles industries. Key duties and responsibilities of the position are reflected as follows: Develop and teach courses that emphasize sustainable business strategies, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry needs. Engage in interdisciplinary research and build industry partnerships to promote sustainability as a value-driven approach. Contribute to curriculum development, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the industry’s evolving needs.

The University of South Carolina’s Department of Retailing is at the forefront of shaping the future of omnichannel retail, digital commerce, and fashion merchandising. With a strong focus on experiential learning, industry collaboration, and research-driven innovation, our department is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in retail management and fashion merchandising.

Home to approximately 25 full-time faculty members—including editors and reviewers for top-tier academic journals, executive officers of leading associations, and influential industry leaders—the Department of Retailing offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment. Our academic programs include a Bachelor of Science in Retailing with concentrations in Retail Management and Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations, as well as a Master of Retail Innovation.

Housed within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, the department benefits from broad interdisciplinary opportunities for both students and faculty. With deep ties to the retailing and fashion industries, the department regularly hosts executive lectures, industry panels, high-profile guest speakers, and consulting projects that enrich the academic experience and strengthen industry integration.

To learn more about the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/index.php

If you are passionate about shaping the future generation of industry leaders in retail industry and thrive in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we invite you to explore this opportunity with us.

Required Education and Experience: Earned doctorate in Retailing, Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, or a related discipline by the start date of employment. Teaching and research interests in Sustainability in Retailing, Fashion Merchandising, or Textiles.

Preferred Qualification: An ideal candidate should have active research agenda with a demonstrated ability to generate impactful, peer-reviewed research in premier outlets. Strong evidence of (or potential to attract) external funding via grant opportunities. A demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality classroom instruction. Conduct research in sustainability, with a focus on its applications in Retailing, Fashion Merchandising, or Textiles. Relevant publications in top-tier journals, showcasing expertise in sustainability. Experience in implementing sustainability strategies that drive business value is highly desirable. Ability to teach classes in a secondary core area of the department (retailing, fashion merchandising, textiles, etc.). Strong teaching and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to students from diverse backgrounds.

Initial review of applicants will commence November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. The appointment start date will be August 16, 2026. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The required application documents for consideration include: 1) a letter of intent describing how your academic and professional experiences match the position, 2) a current curriculum vitae/resume, and 3) a list of three professional references and contact information. Final-round candidates must submit three recommendation letters on official letterhead with physical signatures (no typed names) and an official transcript from an accredited degree-granting institution. Degrees earned outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a USC-approved credential evaluator. Questions may be directed to the search committee chairperson, Dr. Jiyeon Kim, at: JKIM01@mailbox.sc.edu Join us in leading the transformation of retailing and fashion merchandising through strategic sustainability. To view the full posting and submit application materials, direct access is provided through the following address: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/192998