Research Scientist

Posting Details

Posting Summary


Logo

Posting Number
STA00505PO26


Job Family
Research


Job Function
Evaluations


USC Market Title
Associate Scientist


Link to USC Market Title




Job Level
R1 - Research


Business Title (Internal Title)
Research Scientist


Campus
Columbia


Work County
Richland


College/Division
College of Arts and Sciences


Department
CAS Biological Sciences


State Pay Range
Unclassified


USC Market Range
MRJ - $76,904 $96,130 $115,356


Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary commensurate with qualifications


Location of Vacancy

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.

Basis
12 months


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.

Veterans' Preference Statement


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.

Benefits for FTE Positions


The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description


Advertised Job Summary


The Research Scientist will conduct independent research under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) to advances projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. The position is responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing experimental approaches; analyzing and interpreting experimental data; troubleshooting complex research problems; and developing new methodologies to support ongoing and future research initiatives.
The Research Scientist will oversee daily laboratory operations, maintain specialized research equipment, supervise laboratory personnel, and assist the PI with research planning, resource management, and project coordination. The individual will also contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, and scientific presentations while ensuring compliance with institutional polices governing laboratory safety and research integrity.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and three years of post-graduate job-related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D (or equivalent terminal degree) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including peer-review publications.
• Experience mentoring trainees and managing projects in an academic research environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must have knowledge in molecular cellular neurobiology with demonstrated expertise in: mammalian cell culture and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC); molecular biology techniques including DNA cloning, RNA isolation, qPCR, RNA sequencing, and gene expression analyses; protein biochemistry including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein purification and analysis; cellular/tissue imaging and imaging analysis; mouse colony management; experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and scientific reporting.

Job Duties


Job Duty

Conduct Independent Research: Design, execute, and optimize molecular, cellular, and biochemical experiments to investigate the signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and mouse models. Independently analyze and interpret experimental findings, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop experimental strategies that advance the laboratory's research objectives. Prepare research data for publications, grant applications, progress reports, and scientific presentations.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
40


Job Duty

Perform advanced cell culture studies: Establish, maintain and conduct experiments in a variety of cell lines. These include iPSC-derived neurons and glia, rodent primary cell culture of glial cells, and applicable cell lines. This work will be executed independently.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
20


Job Duty

Experimental design, implementation and project development: Duties include designing experiments, maintaining accurate records of experimental procedures, analyzing data, performing statistical analyses, interpreting results, and critically evaluating current scientific literature relevant to ongoing research projects. These activities are essential for the development, management, and advancement of research projects.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
20


Job Duty

Scientific Communication and Research Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts, progress reports, grant-related materials, and present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and collaborative meetings to facilitate scientific exchange and dissemination of research discoveries.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
5


Job Duty

Research Supervision and Mentorship: Provide scientific mentorship and technical training to undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff, and postdoctoral fellows. Supervise research activities, promote scientific rigor and reproducibility, ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, and foster the professional development of laboratory personnel.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
5


Job Duty

Institutional training: Participate in training activities (including those required for IACUC, IBC, EHS). This training will take place in small group or classroom settings and is necessary to ensure safety in the laboratory and further the development of the fellow as an independent scientist.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
5


Job Duty

Other duties as assigned: Other essential activities for the good of the laboratory, department and university will be occasionally assigned at the discretion of the PI (and in consultation with employee). These are aimed at ensuring continued research funding to laboratory.

Essential Function
Yes


Percentage of Time
5

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 Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No


Hazardous weather category
Essential

Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies
1


Desired Start Date
08/16/2026


Job Open Date
07/02/2026


Job Close Date
08/16/2026


Open Until Filled
No


Special Instructions to Applicant


Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. 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.

We are only accepting applications submitted by August 16, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting




EEO Statement


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.