As part of the new Bridge to Faculty program at the University of South Carolina, the Department of Biological Sciences seeks a faculty fellow investigating fundamental concepts in Biology to begin in Fall 2024. This two-year program is intended to lead to a tenure-track position in the Department. Areas of strength in the Department include Cell Stress, Cancer, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Marine Biology, Neuroscience, and Plant Biology. We seek applicants who will contribute to one or more of these areas, and who will benefit from mentorship by one or more of our current faculty members. In keeping with the University’s commitment to “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and thrive,” the Bridge to Faculty program is designed to attract and retain underrepresented early-career scholars with promising research programs. Specifically, the program seeks to recruit early-career scholars who, if successful during the program, will have the opportunity to transition to a tenure-track faculty appointment at USC at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. As a member of the 2nd cohort of Bridge to Faculty Fellows 
at USC, the Fellow will have a home in the Department of Biological Sciences alongside a dynamic group of researchers. With the additional support of USC’s Office of Access and Opportunity and Provost’s Office, the Bridge to Faculty Fellow will have access to institutional resources designed to support their readiness for a tenure-track position.

The Bridge to Faculty Fellow will be expected to: (1) establish an independent program of research in Biology with the support of faculty mentors, including submission of grant proposals to funding agencies as eligible; (2) meet regularly with faculty mentors; (3) participate in professional development opportunities; and (4) participate in the intellectual life of the Department and the University. The Fellow will also have the option to teach one class in the second year.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in Biology or related field completed between July 1, 2019, and the start date of employment (ABDs considered). We welcome and encourage applications from scholars who contribute to increasing diversity in their fields as historically underrepresented persons in biological sciences.

This is a 12-month research faculty appointment that will begin August 16, 2024. Upon demonstration of academic productivity, it will be renewed for a second year, and with evidence of continued productivity, it may be converted to a tenure-track faculty position in the third year. Salary is competitive, and the position includes a generous benefits package with access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. A small research fund will be included in the hiring package.

Applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/159305. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that briefly describes the applicant’s area of expertise and lists potential mentors in the Department of Biological Sciences, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) academic transcripts (showing completion of PhD by August 15, 2024 or, lacking that, a letter from the applicant’s dissertation director confirming that the PhD will be completed by August 15, 2024), 4) a statement of research interests (2-3 pages), and 5) the names and email 
addresses of three references, who will be prompted to submit letters of recommendation directly. For full consideration, application material must be received by February 28, 2024. If you have questions about the position or the application process, please contact Dr. Daniel Speiser, Search Committee Chair (speiser@mailbox.sc.edu).

The Department of Biological Sciences is a multidisciplinary unit of approximately 1,800 undergraduate students, 75 graduate students, 21 professional-track faculty, and 34 tenure-track faculty members. The Department has ready access to excellent core technical support facilities and is complemented by strong research programs in other science departments, the USC School of Medicine, the Arnold School of Public Health, and the School of Pharmacy. The Department of Biological Sciences strives to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The Department and University are committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

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, ethnicity, familiar status, disability, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, and local laws or regulations.