Assistant Professor of Finance

Assistant Professor of Finance

Winthrop University: College of Business & Technology

Description

The Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics in the College of Business and Technology at Winthrop University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Finance position with a start date of August 16, 2026. Winthrop University is a public regional comprehensive university located in the Charlotte, NC metropolitan region. Its unique location, adjacent to the nation’s second-largest financial hub, offers rich opportunities for industry collaboration, research, and student engagement. The department offers a BS in Financial Technology, a BSBA in Finance, and supports a variety of graduate finance courses in the MBA program. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, a commitment to student development, and the ability to publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. The standard teaching load is three courses (9 credit hours) per semester. Priority will be given to applications received by October 28, 2025, but the position will be held open until filled.

Position Responsibilities

  • Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in finance and financial technology (e.g., Financial Data Analytics, Python/R/SQL for Finance, Blockchain and AI Applications in Finance)
  • Conduct high-quality research in finance and financial technology and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to curriculum development and assessment
  • Serve on university and college committees
  • Help build external partnerships to support the department’s internship programs and job placement efforts

About the College

To learn more about the College of Business & Technology please visit:

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit:

Background Check

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability

August 16,2026

Qualifications

Required:

  • Ph.D. in Finance or closely related field from an AACSB-accredited program (ABDs will be considered)
  • Teaching interest and research in financial technology
  • Evidence of teaching excellence at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
  • Evidence of research contributions consistent with AACSB standards and willingness to provide service
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with financial technologies, data analytics tools, and programming languages relevant to the field (e.g., Python, R, SQL)
  • Strong understanding of current trends and emerging technologies in the fintech sector
  • Experience in the fintech industry or related certifications

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted electronically at

Required Documents

  1. A letter of application that describes teaching interests and research agenda
  2. A current curriculum vitae
  3. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (i.e., teaching evaluations)
  4. A current research paper
  5. Three letters of recommendation
  6. A terminal degree transcript or latest transcript available (an unofficial transcript is acceptable for interview consideration)

Contact Information

Questions can be directed to Dr. Hongju Ren at renh@winthrop.edu and Dr. Yi Shen at sheny@winthrop.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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