Bridge to Faculty Program in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

University of South Carolina

As part of the new Bridge to Faculty Program at the University of South Carolina, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering seeks a faculty fellow in all related domains with special interest within the intersection of applied AI with Health Sciences, Quantum Computing, and Cyber Security to begin in January 2025. This two-year program is intended to lead to a tenure-track position in the Department.

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 promising scholars to the University of South Carolina with an emphasis on outreach to underrepresented early-career scholars. 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 from across the university, the Fellow will have a home in Computer Science and Engineering alongside a dynamic group of scholars. With the additional support of USC’s Office of Access and Opportunity and Provost’s Office, Faculty Fellows will have access to institutional resources designed to support their readiness for a tenure-track position.

The Faculty Fellow will be expected to: (1) develop a robust program of research in their area of research focus; (2) meet regularly with faculty mentors; (3) participate in professional development opportunities; (4) gradually assume teaching responsibilities over the course of two years; and (5) participate in the intellectual life of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the University of South Carolina.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a 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 higher education, and/or by pursing scholarship that deepens understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the field.

This is a 12-month research faculty appointment. Upon demonstration of academic productivity, it will be renewed for a second year, and with evidence of continued productivity, it can 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.

Applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/161187. Applications should include: a cover letter; a CV; a writing sample (25 pages maximum); and the names and email addresses of three recommenders, who will be prompted to submit letters of recommendation directly. (If the candidate has not yet defended their dissertation, the letter from the dissertation director should confirm that the PhD will be completed by January 1, 2025). Application review will start October 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please contact Dr. Homayoun Valafar, Search Committee Chair, homayoun@cse.sc.edu.

The CSE Department is designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education and Research. In addition, the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has recently joined the IBM Quantum Hub, a worldwide community of leading Fortune 500 companies, startups, academic institutions, and national research labs working with IBM to advance quantum computing.

The Department offers B.S. degrees in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Computer Engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Studies.  The Department has 24 full-time faculty members (10 NSF CAREER award recipients), an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1000 students, a graduate enrollment of 175 students, and over $3.5 million in annual research expenditures.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive 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 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, 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.