Postdoctoral Fellow

Posting Details

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Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number: RTF00045 PO26 USC Market Title: Post Doctoral Fellow Link to USC Market Title: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387 Business Title: Internal Title: Postdoctoral Fellow 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: 37.5 Work Schedule: Type of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant SRGP Basis: 12 months Job Search Category: Post-doctoral

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 bachelors 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: No Sick Leave: Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

This postdoctoral position is jointly supported by two research groups and focuses on materials synthesis, characterization, and high-pressure transport and synchrotron X-ray studies. Under limited supervision, the Postdoctoral Researcher will synthesize novel materials, perform structural and physical property characterization, and develop and operate advanced high-pressure instrumentation. The researcher will design and conduct high-pressure transport and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities to advance understanding of materials under extreme conditions.

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, or Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field by the start date of employment.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated expertise in materials synthesis, e.g., solid-state flux or related techniques, or a strong background in high-pressure physics, particularly diamond anvil cell techniques, and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities.
• Ability to analyze complex experimental data, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Job Duties

1. Design, synthesize, and optimize novel materials using related synthesis techniques.
   • Essential Function: Yes
   • Percentage of Time: 40
   • <
   • Perform structural and physical property characterization using standard laboratory methods to evaluate phase purity, crystal structure, and functional properties.
     • Essential Function: Yes
     • Percentage of Time: 40
     • <
     • Maintain essential lab equipment, document experimental procedures, analyze and interpret data.
       • Essential Function: Yes
       • Percentage of Time: 10
       • <
       • Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing.
         • 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 Posting Detail Information

           • Number of Vacancies: 1
           • Desired Start Date: 04/01/2026
           • Position End Date: 03/31/2027
           • Job Open Date: 03/18/2026
           • Job Close Date: 05/02/2026
           • Open Until Filled: No

           Special Instructions to Applicant

           • Applicants must provide:
             1. A curriculum vitae
             2. A list of publications
             3. A research statement
             4. At least three references, including contact information
             5. <
             6. References will be contacted for applications under serious consideration.

             7. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Professor Wenli Bi at

                wenlibisc.edu

                and Dr. Rongying Jin at

                RJINmailbox.sc.edu

                .

             Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203652

             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 (*).
             • 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:
             • Curriculum Vitae
             • Other Supporting Documents
             • List of References and Contact Information
             • Research Statement
             • Optional Documents:
             • Cover Letter