Posting Number
RTF00100PO26
USC Market Title
Research Specialist
Link to USC Market Title
Business Title (Internal Title)
Research Specialist I
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
School of Medicine Columbia
Department
SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Anticipated Hiring Range
$36,608 - $53,082
Location of Vacancy
SC
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 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 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
A highly-motivated research assistant with interest in Neuroscience and Pharmacology is sought to work on grant-supported projects in the lab of Dr. David Mott in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience within the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Candidates will use cutting-edge techniques to study and understand how synaptic transmission between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells in the brain is modified as a result of experience. Previous research experience is preferred but not required. All dedicated candidates interested in gaining research experience prior to applying to graduate or medical school or interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research at academic, pharmaceutical, or biotech institutions are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to enthusiastic and passionate candidates with strong problem-solving skills who have demonstrated an ability to work as part of a team. Demonstrates 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.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry/Chemical Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Previous experience handling rodents and with rodent behavioral tests is preferred but not required.
Previous research experience is preferred but not required.
Previous experience recording neural activity in rodents is preferred but not required.
Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conducts experiments with rodents, including behavioral assays and surgical interventions, as well as analyzing experimental data and record keeping.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
45
Job Duty
Performs rodent colony maintenance (husbandry, etc.).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Performs general lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining instruments, preparation of buffers, washing glassware, etc.).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Presents research findings to the group and participates in group journal clubs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Performs other duties as assigned
Essential Function
No
Percentage of Time
5
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
06/01/2025
Position End Date
Job Open Date
05/19/2026
Job Close Date
07/03/2026
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 July 3, 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.
RTF00100PO26
USC Market Title
Research Specialist
Link to USC Market Title
Business Title (Internal Title)
Research Specialist I
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
School of Medicine Columbia
Department
SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Anticipated Hiring Range
$36,608 - $53,082
Location of Vacancy
SC
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 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 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
A highly-motivated research assistant with interest in Neuroscience and Pharmacology is sought to work on grant-supported projects in the lab of Dr. David Mott in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience within the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Candidates will use cutting-edge techniques to study and understand how synaptic transmission between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells in the brain is modified as a result of experience. Previous research experience is preferred but not required. All dedicated candidates interested in gaining research experience prior to applying to graduate or medical school or interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research at academic, pharmaceutical, or biotech institutions are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to enthusiastic and passionate candidates with strong problem-solving skills who have demonstrated an ability to work as part of a team. Demonstrates 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.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry/Chemical Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Previous experience handling rodents and with rodent behavioral tests is preferred but not required.
Previous research experience is preferred but not required.
Previous experience recording neural activity in rodents is preferred but not required.
Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conducts experiments with rodents, including behavioral assays and surgical interventions, as well as analyzing experimental data and record keeping.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
45
Job Duty
Performs rodent colony maintenance (husbandry, etc.).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Performs general lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining instruments, preparation of buffers, washing glassware, etc.).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Presents research findings to the group and participates in group journal clubs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Performs other duties as assigned
Essential Function
No
Percentage of Time
5
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
06/01/2025
Position End Date
Job Open Date
05/19/2026
Job Close Date
07/03/2026
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 July 3, 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.
Job ID: 521998308
Originally Posted on: 5/21/2026
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