Associate Scientist

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: 5 days ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 04 May 2026

Posting Summary


Logo
Posting Number RTF00050PO26
USC Market Title Associate Scientist
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156374
Business Title (Internal Title) Associate Scientist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division Arnold School of Public Health
Department ASPH Environmental Health Sciences
Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy SC
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
  •  Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
  •  Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
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.


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 Associate Scientist will conduct research within the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, in the Arnold School of Public Health. They will be responsible for conducting research in the general subject area of Environmental Respiratory Toxicology. The position is expected to design and execute studies, to train and supervise laboratory staff and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The Associate Scientist will analyze data, generate publication quality figures, will draft, finalize and submit manuscripts, will present findings at scientific conferences, will develop and monitor research budgets, and will be involved in the preparation of grant proposals, progress reports to sponsors.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and three years of post-graduate job-related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in Physiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or other closely related field.
  • Expertise in laboratory techniques such as tissue culture, handling and testing research animals, biochemical assays, techniques in molecular biology and protein chemistry, research design, and lab management.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills and be able to work without supervision.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Design, plan, and conduct independent and collaborative research in the area of environmental respiratory toxicology, with emphasis on mechanisms of toxicity and impacts on human health.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30%
Job Duty
Develop and execute experimental studies using in vitro (tissue culture) and in vivo (animal model) systems to evaluate environmental exposures, disease processes, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20%
Job Duty
Apply advanced laboratory techniques, including molecular biology, biochemical assays, protein chemistry, and scientific imaging methods (e.g., confocal microscopy, live cell imaging).
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20%
Job Duty
Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, including study design, methods development, budgets, and supporting documentation.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15%
Job Duty
Monitor and manage research budgets; track expenditures and ensure compliance with sponsor, university, and regulatory requirements.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15%


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. Yes


Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 04/01/2026
Position End Date 04/01/2027
Job Open Date 03/20/2026
Job Close Date 05/04/2026
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 May 4, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203768
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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