Research Associate

Research Associate

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 3, 2026.

Posting Details

Posting Number - RTF00161PO26

USC Market Title - Research Associate

Business Title (Internal Title) - Research Associate

Campus - Columbia

Work County - Richland

College/Division - College of Arts and Sciences

Department - CAS Physics and Astronomy

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.

Type of Staff Position - Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis - 12 months

Job Search Category - Other

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.

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), 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 UofSC 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.

South Carolina Retirement - No

State Insurance Programs - Yes

Annual Leave - Yes

Sick Leave - No

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary - Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), this individual will contribute to research on the study of the flavor content of nucleons and nuclei funded by the Department of Energy. The employee will perform data analysis, simulations, and analytical calculations of various physics processes; prepare and share findings at meetings, conferences, and in publications; assist in training graduate and undergraduate students; and contribute to program evaluations and/or grant proposals.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience - Requires a master's degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Experience in nuclear and particle physics, knowledge of root, MC simulation programs, C++. Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.

Job Duties

Job Duty - Contribute to nuclear and particle physics research on understanding the impact of nuclear effects in lepton-nucleus interactions. Perform data analysis, simulations, and analytical calculations of various physics processes.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 45

Job Duty - Maintain accurate, detailed data records, prepare research progress reports, and share findings through meetings, conferences, and publications.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 25

Job Duty - Coordinate efforts with students and other researchers.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 20

Job Duty - Contribute to program evaluation and/or grant proposals.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 10

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category - Non-Essential

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. - No

Number of Vacancies - 1

Desired Start Date - 09/16/2026

Position End Date - 05/31/2027

Job Open Date - 07/09/2026

Job Close Date - 08/03/2026

Open Until Filled - No

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have at least a master's degree in an area of research specialty?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Other Supporting Documents
3. Research Statement