Instructor of Political Science/Public Administration

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full-time, professional track instructor position in Political Science/Public Administration to begin August 16, 2026. This is a nine-month appointment with a teaching load of eight courses for the academic year.

The initial appointment may be for one or three years and is renewable, contingent upon satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in political science required by start date.

Responsibilities

• Eight-course teaching load for the academic year.
• Full-time, nine-month appointment with potential renewal and progression.

Skills

Teaching undergraduate courses

Teaching graduate courses

Urban planning

Grant writing

Political geography

Economic development

Education

Ph.D. in political science

Job description

Posting Number: FAC00040PO26

Campus: Columbia

College/Division: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: CAS Political Science

Advertised Salary Range: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 40

Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis: 9 months

Work County: Richland

Tenure Information: Professional Track

Job Search Category: Faculty

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Advertised Job Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full-time, professional track instructor position in Political Science/Public Administration to begin August 16, 2026. This is a nine-month appointment with a teaching load of eight courses for the academic year. The initial appointment may be for one or three years and is renewable, contingent upon satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding. Professional-track faculty may also become eligible for promotion and renewable contracts up to 5 years in length.

Required Education and Experience

• A Ph.D. in political science is required by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be able to contribute teaching to both Political Science undergraduate courses as well as Master of Public Administration graduate courses.
• Instructor expertise and course offerings should be related to urban planning, grant writing, political geography, and economic development.
• The standard teaching load is 4:4 (4 courses in both the fall and spring semesters)

Desired Start Date

08/16/2026

Job Open Date

03/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

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.