Post Doctoral Researcher

Please see Special Instructions for more details. Positions are advertised for a minimum of thirty (30) business days on our job website. After thirty (30) 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 candidity, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by September 18, 2026. Monday – Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm Schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the department or college. Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Other 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 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 Advertised Job Summary The Post Doctoral Fellow will conduct research or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. Possible research projects may include reactive extrusion, high‑performance composite materials, and/or microphase‑separated polymeric materials. They will be trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Post Doctoral Fellow will also supervise research assistants and laboratory personnel. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials N/A Preferred Qualifications The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field by the start date of employment. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities This position requires the following: (1) Expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry; (2) Familiarity with polymer analytical techniques (e.g., NMR , IR, GPC , TGA , DSC , rheology); and (3) Strong written and oral communication skills. Job Duties Conducting research in polymer materials and process chemistry to generate foundational results for publications and grant proposals. This work will use synthetic and analytical methods typical of organic polymer chemistry. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Building lab capabilities of the Sims Group in order to accelerate the establishment of full productivity. This will be done through helping with ordering, equipment installation, and providing own recommendations for lab capabilities. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Training & mentoring graduate students, which will both accelerate their development into independent scientists and develop the postdoc’s mentorship skills. This will be done through hands‑on demonstrations, reviewing results with students, revising papers/presentations, and leading by example. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Position Attributes Hazardous weather category 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. 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 09/01/2026 Position End Date 08/31/2027 Job Open Date 08/04/2026 Job Close Date 09/18/2026 Open Until Filled No 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 (*). * Do you or will you have at least a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment? Yes No * If selected for this position will you be willing to accept the advertised salary? Yes No Required Documents Curriculum Vitae List of References and Contact Information Optional Documents Cover Letter Resume #J-18808-Ljbffr