Post Doctoral Researcher

Posting Number
RTF00180PO26

USC Market Title
Post Doctoral Fellow

Business Title (Internal Title)
Post Doctoral Researcher

Campus
Columbia

Work County
Richland

College/Division
College of Arts and Sciences

Department
CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry

Anticipated Hiring Range

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
37.5

Work Schedule

• 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 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. 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

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
Job Duty
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

Job Duty
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

Job Duty
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

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
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

Special Instructions to Applicant
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 candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 18, 2026.

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.