Post Doctoral Fellow

Posting Details

To navigate through this form, please use the "Prev" and "Save & Continue" buttons at the top of the page. Do not use your browser's "Back" button as it will not save your progress and data will be lost.

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number RTF00169PO26 USC Market Title Post Doctoral Fellow Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387 Business Title (Internal Title) Post Doctoral Fellow Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division School of Medicine Columbia Department SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience Anticipated Hiring Range $ 63,480 Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department.

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 https://uscjobs.sc.edu. 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 Pocivavsek Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to, under general supervision, investigate the interplay between tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, sleep and cognition in rodents. Experimental work will encompass mainly biochemistry (in vivo microdialysis and HPLC), pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience (learning and memory in rodents, EEG/EMG sleep recordings).

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 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience/expertise in EEG/EMG sleep recordings, pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents in a laboratory setting desired.
• A strong knowledge of the hippocampus and the brain's learning and memory circuitry is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Fundamental knowledge and research experience in neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, neurophysiological assessments, receptors and pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents.
• Ability to work independently and in a team. Should be able to analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and communicate effectively.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Perform biochemical experiments.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 35 Job Duty

Perform behavioral analysis and pharmacological manipulations in rodents.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Perform stereotaxic surgery or other surgical procedures and post-surgical follow-up.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Perform histological, neurochemical and molecular procedures on brain tissue and plasma.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Analyze and summarize data, prepare presentations and manuscripts, conduct literature analysis on projects.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Supervise students in the lab and assist with lab duties such as dishes, compliance, ordering supplies, etc.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5

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

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date Job Open Date 07/16/2026 Job Close Date 12/31/2026 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 December 31, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208907 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.

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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents