Open-Rank Faculty Position in Educational Psychology (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Classification Title: Assistant Professor

College/Division: College of Education

Department: CED Educational & Developmental Science

Advertised Job Summary:

Open-Rank Faculty Position in Educational Psychology

Specialization in Developmental Psychology

The College of Education at the University of South Carolina ( USC ) invites applications for an open-rank, tenure-track or tenured faculty position in Educational Psychology, with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. Applicants at all ranks are encouraged to apply.

We seek an accomplished scholar whose research advances understanding of developmental processes that influence learning, behavior, and educational outcomes. Areas of scholarly interest may include brain and cognitive development, social and emotional development, self-regulation and executive function, and the interplay of biological, social, and contextual influences on learning and human development. We particularly welcome research on child and adolescent development that connects developmental science and neuroscience with teaching, learning, and educational practice. This may include scholarship on neurodevelopment and the educational experiences of neurodivergent youth, as well as research that helps educators interpret and apply neuroscientific findings. We welcome candidates employing diverse theoretical perspectives and utilizing rigorous methodological approaches in research applications. Alignment with USC’s brain health initiatives is preferred but not required.

The successful candidate will join the Educational Psychology and Research program in the interdisciplinary Department of Educational and Developmental Science. The program combines expertise in learning and human development with strengths in quantitative methods, measurement, and program evaluation. Collaboration opportunities include the Yvonne and Schuyler Moore Child Development Research Center ( CDRC ), whose partnerships with schools, communities, and state agencies connect developmental research with educational practice and policy.

Responsibilities will include:

The successful candidate will be expected to advance the academic mission of the department and College of Education through research, undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. Responsibilities include (1) teaching existing courses within the Educational Psychology and Research program with potential opportunities to develop new course offerings, (2) establishing and/or sustaining a nationally recognized, externally funded program of research, (3) contributing to graduate education and doctoral mentorship, and (4) engaging in interdisciplinary scholarship.

The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, is the state’s flagship public research university and a Carnegie R1 institution committed to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. USC is making substantial strategic investments in brain health, positioning this area as an emerging focal point of institutional excellence. Recent initiatives include the establishment of the statewide USC Brain Health Network, the opening of the USC Brain Health Center, and plans for a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center. The Brain Health Network currently includes seven clinics serving communities across South Carolina, while the Brain Health Center brings together advanced neuroimaging, research, and specialized clinical services. These investments complement the university’s broader strengths in developmental science, cognition, neuroscience, and health-related research.

These initiatives create opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship examining the relationships among brain development, cognition, learning, behavior, and well-being. Scholars whose research bridges developmental psychology and education will find opportunities to contribute to and help lead interdisciplinary initiatives that advance the university’s research priorities and national reputation.

Advertised Salary Range: Salary is competitive commensurate with experience.

Advertised Minimum Qualifications :

All candidates must have the following:

• Applicants must hold an earned doctorate in Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.

• Candidates must demonstrate a focused program of scholarship examining developmental processes relevant to learning and education, evidence of or potential for excellence in graduate teaching and doctoral mentorship, and the ability to contribute to a collaborative research environment.

• Expectations for scholarly productivity, extramural funding, national reputation, and professional contributions will be commensurate with rank.

• All candidates must also have years of relevant academic experience commensurate with academic policy.

Requirements by rank:

• Candidates for the rank of Assistant Professor must demonstrate evidence of research productivity through peer-reviewed publications, a clear trajectory of scholarly contributions, and strong potential to secure competitive extramural research funding. Potential for excellence in teaching, doctoral mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration is also required.

• Candidates for the rank of Associate Professor must demonstrate evidence of consistent scholarly productivity, an established national reputation, and success in securing competitive extramural research funding. Candidates must also demonstrate effective teaching, doctoral mentorship, and contributions to professional service.

• Candidates for the rank of Professor must demonstrate evidence of influential peer-reviewed scholarship, sustained success in securing competitive extramural research funding, and a continued trajectory of scholarly productivity and impact. A strong record of doctoral mentorship, teaching, and substantive contributions to the discipline is required.

Full/Part Time: Full Time