Assistant Scientist

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks an Assistant Research Scientist to establish and maintain iPSC, neuronal, and brain organoid cultures for comparative studies of hibernation biology.

The position will reprogram somatic cells, optimize differentiation protocols, and perform cellular and molecular experiments using scRNA-seq, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, Western blotting, and functional assays.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain iPSC, neuronal, and brain organoid cultures for comparative studies of hibernation biology.
• Reprogram somatic cells from multiple species, optimize differentiation protocols and conduct cellular/molecular experiments.
• Perform single-cell RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, and cell-based functional assays.
• Contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, protocol development and optimization, and training of students.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations and contribute to grant reports.

Skills

iPSC culture

Neuronal differentiation

tau biology

Immunohistochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

Western blotting

Gene expression analysis

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Experimental design

Data analysis

Mentoring

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Publications

Education

PhD in Biology/Neuroscience/Cell & Molecular Biology

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

Western blotting

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Gene expression analysis

Job description

Assistant Scientist Department: CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Advertised Salary Range: About UofSC

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.

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.

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.

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.

Job Close Date 12/17/2026

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 December 17, 2026.

EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. je-9d29d4577a7247e2bff0889f5886c845