Assistant Scientist

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking an Assistant Scientist in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia campus, to advance battery materials research and cell development. The role includes synthesis, characterization, and rigorous testing, with responsibilities spanning data analysis, reporting, and proposal development.

The position emphasizes budgeting, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and preparation of manuscripts for dissemination in funded projects.

Qualifications

• Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) and one year of post-graduate job-related experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Experience with electrochemical data collection and analysis.
• Experience with proposal and manuscript writing.
• Budgeting experience.

Responsibilities

• Materials Synthesis and Characterization: Synthesize and process battery materials, prepare materials for electrodes and cell assembly, and characterize composition and properties.
• Cell Assembly and Performance Testing: Assemble cells and operate testing systems to evaluate battery performance under controlled conditions.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze data, prepare technical reports, sponsor deliverables and publications, and coordinate with teams.
• Proposal writing: Develop and submit competitive grant proposals and translate findings into opportunities.
• Project Budget Monitoring: Track expenditures and ensure funding aligns with project timelines.

Skills

Communication

Electrochemical data analysis

Proposal writing

Publication writing

Budgeting

Education

PhD or equivalent terminal degree

Job description

Posting Number: RTF00229PO26

USC Market Title: Assistant Scientist

Link to USC Market Title: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156373

Business Title (Internal Title): Assistant Scientist

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: College of Engineering and Computing

Department: CEC Electrical Engineering

Anticipated Hiring Range: $64,827 - $90,500

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 40

Work Schedule:

• Generally Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college.

Type of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis : 12 months

Job Search Category: Other Professional

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.

South Carolina Retirement: No

State Insurance Programs: Yes

Annual Leave: No

Sick Leave: Yes

Advertised Job Summary: The Assistant Scientist in the Department of Chemical Engineering will be creating battery materials, testing battery cells, writing reports, writing proposals and managing project resources/budgeting.

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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Communicate clearly and effectively in English.
• Electrochemical data collection and analysis.
• Proposal writing.
• Publication writing
• Budgeting.

Job Duty:

Materials Synthesis and Characterization: Synthesize and process battery materials by applying chemical, thermal, and mechanical treatments to precursor compounds, converting raw materials into functional powders for electrode fabrication and cell assembly. Prepare and integrate materials into battery electrodes and utilize advanced analytical instrumentation to characterize chemical composition, structure, and material properties, supporting research objectives and the development of energy storage technologies.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty:

Cell Assembly and Performance Testing: Assemble and integrate synthesized materials into functioning electrochemical cells for battery research and development. Operate cell testing systems and experimental fixtures to evaluate battery performance under simulated real-world operating conditions using a variety of electrochemical testing methods. Collect, analyze, and interpret performance data to assess cell efficiency, capacity, durability, and overall functionality, supporting the advancement and optimization of energy storage technologies.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty:

Data Analysis and Reporting:Analyze and interpret materials characterization and electrochemical testing data to develop an understanding of material behavior, performance, and underlying mechanisms. Prepare and coordinate technical reports, sponsor deliverables, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications that communicate research findings and project outcomes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to integrate technical contributions from multiple investigators into cohesive deliverables. Review and provide feedback on scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other research communications to ensure technical accuracy, quality, and consistency with project objectives.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty:

Proposal writing: Contribute to the development of new research concepts and strategic initiatives by leveraging findings and insights generated through sponsored research activities. Identify emerging research opportunities and assist in the preparation, writing, and submission of competitive grant proposals to industry, federal, and other funding sponsors. Support the expansion of externally funded research programs by developing technical content, collaborating with project teams, and translating research outcomes into future funding opportunities.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 20

Job Duty:

Project Budget Monitoring:Monitor project expenditures and budget performance to ensure spending remains within approved funding levels and aligns with project timelines. Track and reconcile costs related to personnel, fringe benefits, equipment, materials, and supplies, and provide financial reporting and projections to support effective grant management.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 5

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

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date: 11/01/2026

Position End Date : 10/30/2027

Job Open Date: 10/02/2026

Job Close Date: 10/12/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214102

EEO Statement: 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.