What are the responsibilities and job description for the Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus on Artificial Intelligence position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
FAC00192PO25
Advertised Title
Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus on Artificial Intelligence
Campus
Columbia
College/Division
College of Information and Communications
Department
CIC School of Information Science
Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Position Category
Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
Basis
9 months
Work County
Richland
Tenure Information
Tenure-Track/Tenured
Job Search Category
Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
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.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
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 School of Information Science (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 at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor focused on AI related to library and information science to begin on August 16, 2026.
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
The School of Information Science
The iSchool at the University of South Carolina currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, an online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), 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.
The College of Information and Communications
The College of Information and Communications (CIC) is home to two internationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) and the School of Information Science, along with the new interdisciplinary unit of Information and Communication Studies. Together these entities advance research, teaching, and outreach across a wide spectrum of communication and information domains. The CIC is distinctive in combining communication, information science, and interdisciplinary study under one umbrella, uniting rapidly evolving fields around the belief that information access and effective communication are cornerstones of self-governance and civic life. The college enrolls approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 500 graduate students and is supported by more than 150 faculty and staff members. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art resources such as the Social Media Insights Lab and the Biometric and User Experience Lab, which support the study of media, data, and their influence on society. The new unit, Information and Communication Studies, further expands the college’s programs through undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in communication, data and communication, health communication, and information security and cyber leadership.
Required Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in library and information studies or 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). ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
- Evidence of a focused/established scholarly agenda (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential of building a scholarly agenda).
- A record of research on AI (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential in this area), that explores design, practice, and ethical/societal implications of AI.
- Evidence/potential to develop extramural funding.
- Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to teach online courses at graduate level.
- Ability to advise graduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date
08/16/2026
Job Open Date
09/22/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applications are due by October 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents:
- Letter of application that includes a research statement demonstrating AI as a core area of emphasis
- Curriculum vitae
- Two sample publications or pieces of scholarly work
- List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
- Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be emailed directly to Rachel Rolli at rachelrolli@sc.edu. While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.
Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb at SRATHBUN@mailbox.sc.edu.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195146
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.
