Job Location: USA
Job Title: Assistant Professor in Computational Neurolinguistics/Psycholinguistics
Job Rank: Assistant Professor

Specialty Areas: General Linguistics

Description:

The Departments of Psychology and the Linguistics Program in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina (USC) invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Neuro/Psycholinguistics at the Columbia campus. This position is a joint hire by The Linguistics Program and The Department of Psychology, which is the home department for tenure. This interdisciplinary position is part of a university-wide cluster hire in Data Sciences, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cyber with the goal to support cutting-edge research at the intersection of brain and language.

We seek a computational neurolinguist or psycholinguist whose research bridges linguistics, neuroscience, and next-generation AI. Ideal candidates will use modern computational techniques in combination with neuroimaging and/or behavioral methods to investigate language learning, processing, and representation in the human brain, with possible applications to brain health, aging, and brain-inspired models of natural language understanding. The candidate’s work should leverage and extend advances in natural language processing and brain-language modeling. The candidate must demonstrate excellence in research, as evidenced by a strong publication record and the potential to secure external funding, as well as excellence in teaching and mentorship.

This new hire will join a vibrant interdisciplinary community with opportunities for collaboration across departments and colleges, including Computer Science and Engineering (CEC), the School of Information and Communications (CIC), and USC’s robust neuroscience network. Key research centers include the Institute for Mind and Brain, the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery, the AI Institute of South Carolina, and the McCausland Center for Brain Imaging, which houses a 3T Prisma MRI scanner. Faculty also have access to a growing health science campus and the new Rural Brain Health Network hub equipped with advanced neuroimaging technologies, including a 7T TerraX MRI. A rich array of additional resources, including access to high-performance computing clusters, as well as facilities for EEG, TMS, HD-tDCS, fNIRS, eye tracking, and lesion-deficit mapping in stroke survivors, is available.

The Department of Psychology includes a Cognitive and Neural Sciences concentration with expertise in cognitive neuroscience, which includes strengths in language, attention, development, social cognition, and affect. The Linguistics Program has been a remarkably successful graduate training program with faculty members from multiple departments, thus, offering collaborative strength across phonetics, syntax, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition, providing an ideal environment for cross-disciplinary mentorship and research.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and contribute to the university’s mission of research excellence. A Ph.D. is required by the start date of August 16, 2026.
USC is a state flagship university as well as a Carnegie R1 institution, with the Department of Psychology and the Linguistics Program both bringing in NSF and NIH grants in external research funding. The Department of Psychology includes more than 80 doctoral students and over 1400 undergraduate majors. The Linguistics Program includes over 30 doctoral students with a very solid record of job placement.
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 a strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
The greater Columbia area offers a high quality of life, rich cultural offerings, and abundant recreational opportunities.
Applications should include: 1) Cover letter 2) Curriculum vitae 3) Research statement 4) Teaching statement 5) Contact information for three references

Applicants should apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. For inquiries, contact Dr. Jiang Liu at [email protected].

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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.

Application Deadline: (Open until filled)
Mailing Address for Applications:
1620 College Street
John Welsh Humanities Building Room 616
Columbia SC 29208
USA
Email Address for Applications: [email protected]
Web Address for Applications: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/193501
Contact Information:
Dr. Jiang Liu
Email: [email protected]