Postdoctoral Fellow

Posting Summary

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Posting Number	RTF00239PO25
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
Advertised Salary Range	Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
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	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 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	No
Sick Leave	Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary	Under limited supervision, the Postdoctoral Researcher supports high-pressure physics research by developing and operating advanced instrumentation and conducting synchrotron-based X-ray experiments. The position exists to advance understanding of materials under extreme conditions and to contribute to the department’s research mission. The primary goal is to produce high-quality experimental data, publications, and mentorship that strengthen the university’s scientific output and student training. Duties will include assisting with the setup, calibration, and optimization of high-pressure instrumentation and laboratory equipment; designing and conducting synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities; analyzing experimental data, preparing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research findings at conferences; and mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience	Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications	PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities	Strong background in high-pressure physics (especially diamond anvil cells) and synchrotron X-ray techniques at national user facilities. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to contribute to laboratory setup and instrumentation development.

Job Duties

Job Duty	Assisting with the setup, calibration, and optimization of high-pressure instrumentation and laboratory equipment. This role involves supporting the installation and setup of high-pressure, cryogenic, and optical instrumentation for research in high pressure physics. Responsibilities include developing and optimizing the control and operation of these instruments to ensure accurate data collection under extreme conditions.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	30

Job Duty	Designing and conducting synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities. This work involves designing and executing synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities to investigate the structural and electronic properties of materials. It includes planning and preparing synchrotron beamtime proposals, conducting experiments under extreme conditions (high pressure and cryogenic temperatures).
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Analyzing experimental data, preparing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research findings at conferences. This work involves analyzing complex experimental data using scientific software packages. It also includes preparing detailed scientific manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed journals. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to present research findings at scientific conferences or workshops.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing. This responsibility includes mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in hands-on experimental research, guiding them through laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and best practices for ensuring reliable results. It also involves teaching students how to process and interpret data using appropriate analytical tools, helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the role encompasses providing structured feedback on manuscript writing, supporting students in effectively communicating their research through scientific publications and presentations.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	30

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
Position End Date
Job Open Date	10/31/2025
Job Close Date	03/31/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicant	Applicants must provide (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a list of publications, (3) a research statement, and (4) at least three references, including contact information. Please arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation (signed and on letterhead) emailed to Professor Wenli Bi at wenlibi@sc.edu . Inquiries about this position may be directed to Professor Bi at wenlibi@sc.edu . 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 March 31, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/196901
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.