Research Assistant

Research Assistant

This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Posting Details

Posting Number - TMP02422PO25

Job Code Title - Research Specialist I

Advertised Title - Research Assistant

Campus - Columbia

College/Division - College of Arts and Sciences

Department - CAS Psychology

Salary - $40,000

Location of Vacancy - Columbia, SC

Part/Full Time - Full Time

Hours per Week - 37.5

Work Schedule - Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department

Job Search Category - Other Professional

About USC

About University of South Carolina - 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.

Benefits for Temporary Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers temporary employees expected to work at least 30 hours per week health and life insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary - Investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. The Research Assistant will provide day-to-day research support to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, including data entry, pre-processing, and literature review.

Qualifications - Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty (Neuroscience). Candidates with strong coding experience preferred; strong interpersonal skills and experience working with children and/or parents; demonstrated ability to work independently and participate on a team.

Job Duties

Job Duty - Responsible for coordinating the recruitment and scheduling of child and parent participants for research studies. This includes drafting and sending invitations to potential participants. Collaborating with research staff to align recruitment efforts with study protocols and timelines.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 30

Job Duty - Manage daily administrative operations of the lab (e.g., scheduling and communication) managing communications such as appointment reminders and follow-ups, and maintaining accurate records of participant engagement. Ensures timely and respectful outreach, facilitates smooth scheduling processes, and supports participant retention through consistent and clear communication.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 10

Job Duty - Conducts neuroimaging and clinical data collection for adolescent research participants. Provides clear instructions and support to adolescent participants and their families to facilitate successful data collection sessions.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 30

Job Duty - Responsible for processing, analyzing, and interpreting research data using appropriate statistical and computational methods. Prepares detailed reports and presentations contributing to manuscript development and supporting publications.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 30

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies - 1

Desired Start Date - 12/01/2025

Proposed End Date - 11/30/2026

Job Open Date - 09/16/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled - Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant - This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Position Attributes

Position Attributes Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety/Security Sensitive or Requires a CDL - No

Hazardous weather category - Non-Essential

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Please describe your experience with coding. (Open Ended Question)
3. * Please explain your experience working with children and/or parents? (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Other Supporting Documents