Assistant Scientist

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to establish and maintain induced pluripotent stem cell cultures across several species, enabling comparative studies of hibernation biology and arousal. You will reprogram somatic cells, perform iPSC culture, neuronal differentiation, and organoid work while conducting molecular analyses and preparing manuscripts.

You will design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to presentations and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in biology or neuroscience is required; post‑graduate experience preferred.
• Experience with stem cell biology, iPSC culture, neuronal differentiation, and tau biology is essential.
• Strong data analysis, manuscript preparation, and scientific communication abilities are required.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and manipulate iPSC lines from multiple species for comparative studies.
• Analyze molecular, imaging, and transcriptomic data including single‑cell RNA sequencing.
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in laboratory methods.
• Support protocol development, optimization, and laboratory operations.

Skills

iPSC culture

Neuronal differentiation

Tau biology

Molecular techniques

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD or equivalent in Biology/Neuroscience

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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 any time at the discretion of the department. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on various 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 December 17, 2026.

• Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm
• Schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the department or college.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

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 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

South Carolina Retirement Yes

State Insurance Programs

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Assistant Research Scientist will establish and maintain induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), neuronal, and brain organoid cultures for comparative studies of hibernation biology. The position will reprogram somatic cells from multiple hibernating species, optimize differentiation protocols, and conduct experiments examining cellular and molecular responses associated with hibernation and arousal using approaches including single‑cell RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and microscopy, Western blotting, and functional assays. The position will also contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, protocol development and optimization, preparation of manuscripts and presentations, and training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and one year of post‑graduate job‑related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a closely related field and at least three years of postdoctoral research experience with demonstrated research experience in stem cell biology, including the culture and experimental use of pluripotent stem cells, as well as experience in neurodegenerative disease research involving tau biology.
• Experience with molecular and cellular techniques relevant to neuronal models, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and protein analysis.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, and experimental manipulation.
• Experience with neuronal differentiation and stem cell‑based models of neurological or neurodegenerative disease.
• Experience and knowledge of tau biology, including molecular and cellular approaches used to study tau‑related processes.
• Experience with relevant molecular and cellular techniques, including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, cell‑based functional assays, and gene expression analysis.
• Knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of cell culture and molecular biology protocols.
• Experience with single‑cell RNA sequencing or other transcriptomic approaches is desirable.
• Ability to train and mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in laboratory methods and experimental procedures.
• Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts, reports, and research presentations.
• Documented evidence of peer‑reviewed publications in stem cell biology, neuroscience, neurodegeneration, tau biology, or related fields.

Job Duties

Stem Cell, Neuronal, and Hibernation Research

Establish, maintain, and experimentally manipulate induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from multiple hibernating species in order to develop comparative cellular models of hibernation biology and investigate cellular and molecular responses associated with hibernation and arousal. This work will be performed through somatic cell reprogramming, iPSC culture and quality control, neuronal differentiation, brain organoid development, and experimental approaches including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, functional cellular assays, gene‑expression analyses, and related molecular and cellular techniques.

Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Scientific Dissemination

Analyze and interpret experimental data in order to evaluate study hypotheses, characterize biological responses, and support dissemination of research findings. This work will include analysis of molecular, imaging, functional, and transcriptomic datasets, including single‑cell RNA sequencing data, as well as preparation of figures, reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and scientific presentations.

Laboratory Training and Research Mentorship

Train and provide day‑to‑day scientific guidance to undergraduate and graduate researchers in order to support laboratory research activities and develop student research skills. Training will include instruction in cell culture, molecular and imaging methods, experimental design, data collection and analysis, laboratory documentation, and appropriate research and safety procedures.

Laboratory Operations and Method Development

Support the effective operation and continued development of the laboratory’s stem cell and organoid research program. This work will include developing and optimizing protocols, troubleshooting experimental procedures, maintaining cell lines and research materials, coordinating routine laboratory supplies and equipment needs, and assisting with implementation of new experimental methods required for ongoing research projects.

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category

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

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 11/08/2026

Position End Date

Position End Date 11/07/2028

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 11/02/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 12/17/2026

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled No

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.