APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR THIS POSITION

 

The College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina is seeking an outstanding candidate to fill our UNESCO Chair in Data, Media and Society.

The individual who holds this chair will be an international advocate for the free flow of credible information. The chair, with support of the college’s Social Media Insights Lab and in collaboration with other college faculty, will analyze and increase understanding of mis/disinformation spread through social media.

Responsibilities

As chair, the selected candidate will be responsible for at least one major report per year. The report will focus on social media conversations as well as other data relevant to the subject. In addition, the chair will work with UNESCO to organize an international conference each year relevant to that year’s report. As a member of the faculty, the chair will be expected to make significant contributions to scholarship, public knowledge or creative activity, and be expected to mentor students and teach graduate- and undergraduate-level courses.

Required Education and Experience

We will consider both academic and professionally oriented candidates. Academic candidates must meet the qualifications for a tenured position on one of our schools’ academic tracks, that includes an earned doctorate and a record of research at the level of professor or associate professor. Professionally oriented applicants must have at least a master’s degree and five years of relevant professional experience.

The work of the chair will bridge both schools of our college, including the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Information Science. Depending on qualifications and experience, the successful candidate could be appointed in either school.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise with:

• A record of conducting research and writing about — or working on — issues consistent with UNESCO’s core values.
• An understanding of social media, including previous work analyzing and writing about social media use, trends, issues and practices.
• An ability to collaborate with academics and subject matter experts worldwide, which would include other UNESCO chairholders.
• A record of working with different cultures and in more than one language.

Special Instructions to Applicant:

The position is open until filled but only applications received by February 6, 2023, can be assured full consideration.

All applicants must complete an online application  and include the following:

1. A letter of application that explains interest in the position, relevant qualifications and views on mis/disinformation in society. 
2. Current vitae or resume.
3. List of three references (including name, phone number, and email).
4. Three letters of recommendation (solicited prior to start date) – listed as optional documents, while the three letters are required prior to start date, letter may be uploaded with application, but it is not required.