Research Specialist

Posting Summary Logo:

Posting Number:
RTF00104PO26

USC Market Title:
Research Specialist

Link to USC Market Title:

Business Title (Internal Title):
Research Specialist

Campus:
Columbia

Work County:
Richland

College/Division:
College of Pharmacy

Department:
COP Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences

Anticipated Hiring Range:
$36,608-$44,845

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:
Other

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 bachelors 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 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 Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy is seeking to hire a Research Specialist to join our team.

Under general supervision, the Research Specialist supports laboratory-based research focused on the neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying addiction. The position exists to execute established experimental procedures using pre-clinical rodent models and molecular, cellular, and imaging techniques. The primary goal is to generate reliable data and maintain efficient laboratory operations in support of funded research activities.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelors degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials:

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in rodent models, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis.
• Dedication to basic research with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated and able to work both independently and in a team.

Job Duties Job Duty:
Maintain rodent colonies by performing daily husbandry, breeding, and health monitoring to ensure compliance with established protocols and to support ongoing research activities.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
30

Job Duty:
Conduct established laboratory procedures, including DNA / RNA extraction, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and related assays, to generate reproducible experimental data.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Job Duty:
Perform behavioral assays and self-administration paradigms; collect brain tissue samples; conduct fluorescence microscopy; and analyze experimental data using Prism, ImageJ, and MATLAB to support research outcomes.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Job Duty:
Coordinate routine laboratory operations by ordering supplies, tracking inventory, and reconciling purchases to maintain continuity of research activities.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
10

Job Duty:
Train and guide students and research fellows on established laboratory techniques and protocols to ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to research standards.

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:

Position End Date :

Job Open Date:
05/13/2026

Job Close Date:
06/27/2026

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 June 27, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting:

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.