Research Associate

Research Associate

Applicants must provide detail in the application work history section and upload a copy of their C.V/resume.

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 September 24, 2026.

Posting Number - RTF00216PO26

USC Market Title - Research Associate

Business Title (Internal Title) - Research Associate

Campus - Columbia

Work County - Richland

College/Division - College of Engineering and Computing

Department - CEC Biomedical Engineer

Anticipated Hiring Range - 58,934 - 85,000

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time - Full Time

Hours per Week - 40

Work Schedule - Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college.

Type of Staff Position - Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis - 12 months

Job Search Category - Other Professional

About USC

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 Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

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 - Yes

State Insurance Programs - Yes

Annual Leave - Yes

Sick Leave - Yes

Position Description

The Research Associate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing will support research focused on the development of novel therapeutic platforms for traumatic brain injury. Collaborating closely with the principal investigator (PI) as well as independently, the research associate will conduct live mouse studies in accordance with approved protocols, process mouse tissues following necropsy, maintain accurate tissue records, perform histological and biochemical analyses, prepare protocols, reports, manuscripts and grant proposals, and train and mentor graduate students and research assistants contributing to the research project.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience - Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications - PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field by the start date of employment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Experience in the development of nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems. Use of mice in biomedical research including handling, injections, health monitoring, behavioral testing, necropsy, and processing of mouse tissue for histological and biochemical analysis. Other skills include immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demonstrated abilities to maintain accurate, organized, and detailed records. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Job Duties

Develops novel therapeutic platforms for traumatic brain injury through the designing and conducting preclinical research using established and innovative experimental approaches to identify, evaluate, and optimize therapeutic interventions. Analyzes experimental findings and incorporates results into subsequent study designs to advance the development and validation of therapeutic strategies.

Conducts in vivo mouse studies to evaluate experimental therapies for traumatic brain injury, including administering experimental agents, monitoring animal health, conducting behavioral assessments, and performing necropsies in accordance with approved animal-use protocols and established laboratory procedures. Maintains accurate, organized, and detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, treatments, and outcomes to ensure study integrity, protocol compliance, and reliable evaluation of therapeutic efficacy.

Processes, preserves, and manages mouse tissues collection during experimental studies: Collects, processes, preserves, and manages post-necropsy mouse tissues from experimental studies using established laboratory procedures and approved methods for labeling, storage, and tracking. Maintains accurate and organized records of collected and stored tissues to preserve sample integrity and ensure biological specimens are appropriately documented and available for subsequent experimental analyses.

Performs histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses of mouse tissues to evaluate experimental outcomes using established and newly developed histological, biochemical, and molecular laboratory methods, and evaluates experimental data results. Maintains accurate, organized, and detailed records of protocols, biological samples, experimental conditions, and data collected to characterize tissue-level responses to traumatic brain injury and determine the biological effects and efficacy of experimental therapeutic interventions.

Authors scientific protocols, reports, manuscripts, and research proposals to support the research program: Develops, documents, interprets, and synthesizes experimental procedural research findings, prepares reports describing study methods and results, contributes to manuscripts for scientific publication, and develops research proposals for internal and external review and funding. These activities communicate research findings, ensure reproducibility and experimental continuity methods, support scientific dissemination results, and facilitate continued development and research program funding.

Oversees, trains, and mentors graduate students and research assistants: Provides instruction, guidance, and oversight in experimental procedures, design, interpretation, laboratory techniques and safety, research documentation, data collection and analysis, and compliance with approved research protocols. Reviews work accuracy and quality, assists trainees in developing research skills to ensure consistent research activities execution, reliable experimental data generation, and successful project objectives advancement.

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 - 10/16/2026

Position End Date - 10/17/2027

Job Open Date - 09/17/2026

Job Close Date - 09/24/2026

Open Until Filled - No

EEO Statement - The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.