Research Specialist

Posting Number

RTF00138PO26

USC Market Title

Research Specialist

Business Title (Internal Title)

Research Specialist

Campus

Columbia

Work County

Richland

College/Division

School of Medicine Columbia

Department

SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience

Anticipated Hiring Range

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 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 Wood Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Research Specialist I to support NIH-funded research examining molecular mechanisms engaged by stress that regulate anxiety-like behaviors. Under general supervision, the Research Specialist I will perform experiments using cutting-edge techniques to study how the brain regulates behavior relevant to fear and anxiety disorders, learning, memory, and addiction. The individual will demonstrate commitment to conducting business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations. This position is established in support of expanded research activities.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or related scientific field, a record of strong communication, writing skills, and experience with in vivo approaches (e.g., surgical techniques, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology etc.).
• Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals with demonstrated ability to conduct research with rigorous record keeping and enthusiasm to take an active role in shaping the research program.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Basic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or a related field and 1 year related research experience is required.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.

Job Duties

• Conducting experiments with rodents to understand the role that stress plays in neurological dysfunction. Behavioral studies such as acoustic startle, social stressors, elevated plus maze, etc. will be used and scored to measure anxiety-like behavioral phenotypes. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30

• General lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining sterile equipment and tools, buffer preparation, dish washing etc.) to maintain proper functioning of all laboratory studies. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20

• Perform rat brain tissue slicing and tissue homogenization to subject the tissue to molecular techniques including western blot, elisa, high performance liquid chromatography, etc. in order to understand molecular mechanisms regulating stress responses. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20

• Conduct surgical procedures including implantation of cardiovascular transmitters and intracranial cannulas for complex cardiovascular and brain analyses of stress responses. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10

• Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students on complex techniques including surgery, data analysis, behavioral testing, video analysis, etc. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10

• Analyzing cardiovascular telemetry data using computer based programs to understand the long term effects that stress has on the cardiovascular system. 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

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

07/16/2026

Position End Date

05/31/2027

Job Open Date

06/19/2026

Job Close Date

08/03/2026

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 3, 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.