Department Chair​/Professor

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit the following:
1) a curriculum vitae;
2) cover letter describing qualifications and academic leadership experience; and list of three references. For questions, please contact Patsy Yarborough, Executive Assistant to the Dean, Arnold School of Public Health, via email: YARBOROP.EDU.

The Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina is seeking an energetic and visionary Chair for the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. This academic leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of research, education, and practice in environmental health. The individual will provide strategic leadership and vision for the Department, fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and internationally recognized academic environment.

The successful candidate will advance cutting‑edge research, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen the department’s reputation for excellence in teaching and service.

• Lead ENHS in developing and implementing a forward‑looking academic strategy.
• Oversee departmental operations, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Foster a strong culture of research innovation in areas such as environmental toxicology, occupational health, environmental justice, global health, and climate‑change effects on health.
• Enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional training/certification programs.
• Mentor and support faculty, staff, and students to achieve their highest potential.
• Secure extramural research funding and build partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders.

The University of South Carolina has been designated by the Carnegie Foundation as an institution of “very high research activity.” Environmental Health Sciences plays a key role within the Arnold School, which is a campus leader in scholarship, undergraduate majors, and external research funding. The Arnold School’s leadership is committed to providing the new Chair of ENHS with the resources necessary to enhance the department’s research and academic activities.

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences has outstanding NSF, NOAA and NIH funded research on climate change and health, community monitoring of wastewater, antibiotic resistance, micro/nanoplastics fate and effects, forest fire impacts related to drought, and environmental‑safety forecast modeling.

Location:

Columbia, SC – the state capital and a hub with cultural and recreational resources.

Qualifications include an earned doctorate or equivalent in public health, environmental health or a related discipline that complements existing departmental research and teaching strengths in microbiology, toxicology, exposure science, air quality, water quality, soil health, climate change, environmental justice, and community engagement.

• Evidence of an outstanding record of scholarship and external research funding in environmental health or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in academic leadership and/or administration.
• Demonstrated commitment to innovative, inclusive teaching and student mentorship.
• National and international recognition in environmental health or related field.
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure.

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.

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.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References and Contact Information

None specified.