The faculty of the Walker Institute of International and Area Studies and the Department of History at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2026. The position is a 9-month appointment with a teaching load of 8 courses for the academic year, centered around instruction in the interdisciplinary field of Middle East Studies with an emphasis on modern history. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.
Candidates must hold a PhD in History or Middle East Studies or a closely related field at the time of appointment. Strong organizational and communication skills are required, as is a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching.
The successful candidate will teach in the Department of History and the Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, which houses a new Middle East Studies minor. Courses will primarily focus on: introduction to Middle East Studies; the historical development of the region’s political economy; modern processes of war and peace; as well as other courses that generate interest in the minor. The ideal candidate will have meaningful, relevant experience in the Middle East. Preference will be given to those that can teach interdisciplinary courses in Global Studies related to introductory themes and global economic relations, as well as survey history courses on the Middle East. Teaching assignments may be any combination of lectures as needed by the Department of History and Walker Institute.
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.
The Walker Institute of International and Area Studies has been bringing the world to Carolina for over 60 years. The Institute supports international research, teaching, and programming on our campus and in our community. Our mission is sustained by 200 faculty associates from the College of Arts and Sciences and across our campus. The Walker Institute offers an interdisciplinary B.A. in Global Studies, a B.S. in Cyber Policy and Ethics, and minors in each area studies program: African Studies; Asian Studies; European Studies; Latin American, Caribbean and US Latinx Studies; Middle East Studies; Islamic World Studies; and Slavic, Central-Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies. For more information about the Walker Institute, please visit our website at http://walkerinstitute.sc.edu.
The Department of History is home to 30+ faculty and 40+ graduate students and is in Gambrell Hall. Our award-winning faculty teach and conduct impactful research in many subject areas, including the U.S. South, civil rights, race and slavery, the environment, science and technology, popular culture, and public history. For more information about the Department, please visit our website at Department of History, University of South Carolina.
The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include: (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vita, (3) a statement of teaching interests, experience, and expertise (1–2 pages), and (4) the names and email addresses of 3 references.
Professional references will be contacted directly by the Chair of the Search Committee, and letters will be requested on the candidate’s behalf at that time.
Inquiries about this position may be directed to Professor Carl Dahlman, Walker Institute of International and Area Studies (carl.dahlman@sc.edu).
Review of applications will begin on 2/1/2026 and will continue until the position is filled.