Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number STA00505PO26 Job Family Research Job Function Evaluations USC Market Title Associate Scientist Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/140751 Job Level R1 - Research Business Title (Internal Title) Research Scientist Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS Biological Sciences State Pay Range Unclassified USC Market Range MRJ - $76,904 $96,130 $115,356 Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule
Basis 12 months Job Search Category Other Professional
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.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), 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 USC 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.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Research Scientist will conduct independent research under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) to advances projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. The position is responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing experimental approaches; analyzing and interpreting experimental data; troubleshooting complex research problems; and developing new methodologies to support ongoing and future research initiatives.
The Research Scientist will oversee daily laboratory operations, maintain specialized research equipment, supervise laboratory personnel, and assist the PI with research planning, resource management, and project coordination. The individual will also contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, and scientific presentations while ensuring compliance with institutional polices governing laboratory safety and research integrity.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conduct Independent Research: Design, execute, and optimize molecular, cellular, and biochemical experiments to investigate the signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and mouse models. Independently analyze and interpret experimental findings, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop experimental strategies that advance the laboratory's research objectives. Prepare research data for publications, grant applications, progress reports, and scientific presentations.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty
Perform advanced cell culture studies: Establish, maintain and conduct experiments in a variety of cell lines. These include iPSC-derived neurons and glia, rodent primary cell culture of glial cells, and applicable cell lines. This work will be executed independently.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty
Experimental design, implementation and project development: Duties include designing experiments, maintaining accurate records of experimental procedures, analyzing data, performing statistical analyses, interpreting results, and critically evaluating current scientific literature relevant to ongoing research projects. These activities are essential for the development, management, and advancement of research projects.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty
Scientific Communication and Research Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts, progress reports, grant-related materials, and present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and collaborative meetings to facilitate scientific exchange and dissemination of research discoveries.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
Research Supervision and Mentorship: Provide scientific mentorship and technical training to undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff, and postdoctoral fellows. Supervise research activities, promote scientific rigor and reproducibility, ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, and foster the professional development of laboratory personnel.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
Institutional training: Participate in training activities (including those required for IACUC, IBC, EHS). This training will take place in small group or classroom settings and is necessary to ensure safety in the laboratory and further the development of the fellow as an independent scientist.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
Other duties as assigned: Other essential activities for the good of the laboratory, department and university will be occasionally assigned at the discretion of the PI (and in consultation with employee). These are aimed at ensuring continued research funding to laboratory.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5
Position Attributes
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.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 07/02/2026 Job Close Date 08/16/2026 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 August 16, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208927 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.
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