Psychology Jobs in South Carolina

Posting Number FAC00059PO26

Advertised Title Developmental and Cognitive Psychology Instructor

Campus Columbia

College/Division College of Arts and Sciences

Department CAS Psychology

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

Location of Vacancy

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 USC
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.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Advertised Job Summary

The faculty of the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2026, or January 1, 2027. It is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent on Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding. The opportunity for promotion is available based on years of service and evidence of successful performance. The successful candidate is expected to teach undergraduate courses at all levels as described above. The expected teaching load is 4-4, however, course releases may be given based on additional service in the Department, College, and University.

Please note that this position is advertised as “on campus”; remote options will not be considered.

The Department of Psychology is seeking a full-time Instructor to join our vibrant, innovative, and expanding department. The department serves approximately 2000 majors with 50 tenure track and 19 instructional faculty. Our vision is to advance knowledge and solve real-world problems to improve health and well-being through high quality and impactful teaching. The broad research foci of the department include child and family, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, quantitative psychology, school psychology, and clinical community psychology with an emphasis on diversity and health disparities. We are also increasing our experiential learning opportunities. Given these exciting and innovative teaching advancements, coupled with increasing enrollment, we seek to expand our Professional Track Faculty to meet both continuing and changing needs.

Required Education and Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in hand by the time of appointment in the field of Psychology and demonstrated excellence in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

The successful candidate will contribute to this vision by having previous teaching experience in general introductory psychology courses (e.g., Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, Research Methods) and have a focus in one of the areas listed below.

• Cognitive Psychology: expertise is needed to cover courses such as Survey of Learning and Memory, Cognitive Psychology, Sensation and Perception, or related topics.

• Developmental Psychology: expertise in developmental psychology to teach introductory and specialized coursework, including courses such as Lifespan, Child, Adolescent, Exceptional Children, Cognitive Development, or related topics.

Desired Start Date 08/16/2026

Job Open Date 04/28/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online employment system “USC Jobs” at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include:

(1) a cover letter that describes your teaching and research interests (if applicable),
(2) a curriculum vitae,
(3) a statement of teaching philosophy, and
(4) the names and email addresses of 3 references. Applications are not complete until at least 3 signed letters of recommendations are received.

Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Please address inquiries to peterss2@email.sc.edu.

This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

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.