Research Specialist

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: about 17 hours ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 17 May 2026

Posting Summary


Logo
Posting Number RTF00063PO26
USC Market Title Research Specialist
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156397
Business Title (Internal Title) Research Specialist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Arts and Sciences
Department CAS Psychology
Anticipated Hiring Range $37,000
Location of Vacancy Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
  • Standard schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch.
  • 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 Research Specialist will conduct and oversee complex behavioral and physiological data collection with infants, toddlers, and caregivers, primarily in participants’ homes. This includes training undergraduate students in data collection procedures, ensuring accurate and organized data storage, and managing participant scheduling and retention. The specialist will oversee research processes, maintain and manage a large research database, and provide training in data entry. Additionally, the role involves advising the principal investigator and research team on techniques and procedures, ensuring lab efficiency, and offering operational guidance for day-today activities of research staff and student workers.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience interacting with infants or children; OR 
  • Experience in a research setting.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • This individual must be able to communicate effectively with faculty and graduate and undergraduate students, as well as communicate effectively and sensitively with families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. 
  • This individual must also be interested and effective in working with young children and their families.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Conduct and provide instruction on behavioral and physiological data collection with infants, toddlers, and caregivers. Data will be collected in participants’ homes. Data collection will involve traveling to homes, training undergraduates in data collection procedures, and maintaining an organized system for data storage.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Coordinate research procedures, including participant scheduling and retention, data collection and storage, and lab process efficiency, and assist the principal investigator and others on research techniques and procedures.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Maintain large research database and train others in data entry.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Provide operational support on the day-to-day activities of research staff and student workers.
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


Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 05/01/2026
Position End Date 04/30/2028
Job Open Date 04/02/2026
Job Close Date 05/17/2026
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 17, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204238
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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