Tenure-Track Faculty

The Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences (DDBS) in the College of Pharmacy (COP) at the University of South Carolina (USC) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting in Fall 2026. Appointment at a higher rank may be considered for exceptional candidates with an established, sustained record of productivity.

Individuals conducting research on brain health therapeutics using biomedical engineering, pharmaceutics, electrophysiology, and/or advanced cell-based model systems approaches are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates are expected to establish and sustain an independent and competitive research program, secure external funding, publish impactful research, and contribute to teaching excellence in the professional (PharmD) and graduate programs. The candidate will have their primary appointment within DDBS and will closely collaborate with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the newly established Brain Health Center at USC. Successful candidates will receive a competitive salary, startup funds, and access to DDBS's specialized cores in functional genomics, microscopy/flow cytometry, and drug design/synthesis. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package with access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.

DDBS is a research-intensive, collegial department with core strengths in cancer and neuroscience, including translational cancer research, pharmacogenomics, drug addiction, mood disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Faculty in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, and genomics conduct cutting-edge, NIH-funded research in disease mechanisms and drug discovery. DDBS has experienced unprecedented growth in research funding and impact, doubling federal funding since 2017. In FY 2024, DDBS secured over $14.4M in federal funding, ranking among the top 20 colleges of pharmacy nationally. The department hosts the NIH-funded Center for Targeted Therapeutics, which provides outstanding opportunities through access to specialized cores. USC fosters dynamic interdisciplinary collaborations with biomedical engineering, the Neuroscience cluster, the newly established USC Brain Health Center, Prisma Health Midlands, and the USC School of Medicine, providing an ideal environment for translational and collaborative research.

Qualified candidates must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent terminal degree, significant postdoctoral training, and a track record of impactful first-author or corresponding-author publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Evidence of potential for securing external funding and conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary research is strongly preferred. Applicants must apply online at USCJobs at [https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195632]. Applications should include the following: a cover letter, a CV, a statement of research interests (3 page max), a brief statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and email addresses of three recommenders, who will be prompted to submit letters of recommendation directly. To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by January 5, 2026. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please contact Dr. Lorne Hofseth, Search Committee Chair, c/o Bryce Karlek.

Located in the heart of South Carolina, USC offers an exceptional quality of life, with affordable housing, thriving arts and culture, and proximity to beautiful outdoor spaces. Additionally, USC is a family-friendly institution with resources to support work-life balance, including on-campus childcare and dual-career services. The University of South Carolina is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. DDBS actively promotes equity and access to ensure all faculty, staff, and students thrive. The University is 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, familial 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.