The University of South Carolina invites applications for a SmartState Chair to direct the SmartState Center for Data Analysis, Simulation, Imaging, and Visualization (DASIV) in conjunction with the Williams-Hedberg-Hedberg Endowed Chair of Mathematics. This is a tenured full Professor position in the Department of Mathematics with the earliest starting date on August 16, 2025. The SmartState Chair is co-sponsored by the South Carolina SmartState Program established by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2002 (http://smartstatesc.org/) and the University of South Carolina with a total endowment of $4 million. The primary appointment of the Chair will be within the Department of Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences. 

The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Mathematics or a closely related field, with a research specialization aligning with the DASIV Center’s major thrusts. We seek an individual of international stature who has an exceptional record of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and a demonstrated ability to secure substantial external funding from diverse sources. The successful candidate must have a proven track record of excellence in teaching at the university level, successful supervision of graduate students, demonstrated ability to mentor postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty and to effectively lead team efforts in multidisciplinary projects. 

The SmartState Chair will guide the research activities of the DASIV SmartState Center and establish close ties with other academic units that use artificial intelligence, data science, mathematical analysis of data processing and information extraction, numerical analysis and simulation, data imaging and visualization. In addition to running a successful research center, the successful candidate will assist in hiring and mentoring postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty in the DASIV research area and the department of mathematics. It is expected that the Center director will forge productive collaborations with USC faculty to establish a vigorous, internationally recognized research program in the DASIV major thrust area. The University will provide space and infrastructure for the new endowed chair and the DASIV Center and will work to acquire the resources needed to establish this Center at a nationally competitive level. 

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter including professional goals and vision for DASIV, curriculum vitae with a list of publications and funding history, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, a statement of teaching, a statement on leadership and mentoring, and names of at least three references. All applicants must submit their applications through the online employment system “USC Jobs” at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/175318 and mathjobs.org. Confidential inquiries and nominations can be made to the search committee chair, Professor Qi Wang at qwang@math.sc.edu. 

Applications will be evaluated as they are received by the Search Committee until the position is filled. 

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. 

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. 

The Department of Mathematics (http://www.math.sc.edu/), located in the heart of the historic USC Columbia campus, currently has 31 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 13 full-time instructors, 57 graduate students, and about 200 undergraduate majors. Faculty research interests include algebra, algebraic geometry, analysis, applied and computational mathematics, constructive approximation, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical biology, mathematical education, and number theory. The University also hosts an honors college recently ranked as the nation's best among public school’s honors programs, with which the candidate will have the opportunity to work.