Associate Scientist

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

South Carolina Retirement

State Insurance Programs

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks an Associate Scientist to lead and contribute to a multidisciplinary research program focused on fragile X syndrome and FMR1-associated conditions. The role includes clinical and behavioral assessments, data analysis, and manuscript and grant development under the PI’s supervision.

The position emphasizes scientific leadership, collaboration with researchers, and mentorship of staff and trainees, with responsibilities across study design, data interpretation,

Qualifications

• Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and three years of post-graduate job-related experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting clinical, behavioral, psychological, neuropsychological, or developmental research with human participants.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Advanced clinical and research experience involving human subjects with fragile X syndrome and/or FMR1-associated conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned research projects related to fragile X syndrome and related conditions under the PI’s direction.
• Coordinate study design and protocol development; oversee research procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Lead standardized clinical, behavioral, and neuropsychological assessments with research participants.
• Lead or contribute to analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings and grant applications.
• Provide guidance and training to research staff and trainees within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Clinical research

Neuropsychological assessment

Data analysis

Grant writing

Education

PhD or similar

Tools

SPSS

R

Job description

Logo:

Posting Number:

RTF00205PO26

USC Market Title:

Associate Scientist

Link to USC Market Title

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156374

Business Title (Internal Title):

Associate Scientist

Campus:

Columbia

Work County:

Richland

College/Division:

Arnold School of Public Health

Department:

ASPH Communication Sciences and Disorders

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience

Part/Full Time:

Full Time

Hours per Week:

37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Schedule must remain flexible to meet the needs of the department.
• Travel may be required for this position.
• 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 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

Yes

State Insurance Programs

Yes

Annual Leave

Yes

Sick Leave

Yes

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Scientist will serve a key scientific and operational role in a multidisciplinary research program focused on fragile X syndrome (FXS), FMR1-associated conditions, and the advancement of research and clinical practice relevant to females with fragile X syndrome. Working under the direction of the faculty Principal Investigator and in collaboration with faculty, research staff, trainees, community partners, and external collaborators, the Associate Scientist will contribute advanced expertise in clinical and behavioral research, neuropsychological and psychological assessment, intervention research, and the study of neurodevelopmental conditions.The Associate Scientist will support and manage assigned research projects; contribute to the design, implementation, and oversight of research protocols; conduct and oversee clinical and behavioral assessments; analyze and interpret research data; and lead or contribute substantially to scientific manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications. The position will also provide scientific and technical leadership to research staff and trainees and support the reliable implementation of research procedures across the research program. Research activities will be conducted within the PI’s established research program and under faculty oversight.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and three years of post-graduate job-related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree (PhD, PsyD, or equivalent) in psychology, clinical psychology, developmental science, neuroscience, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related field, and a minimum of three years of post-graduate job-related research, clinical, or professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting clinical, behavioral, psychological, neuropsychological, or developmental research with human participants.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Advanced clinical and research experience involving human subjects with fragile X syndrome and/or FMR1-associated conditions.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and dissemination of research findings related to fragile X syndrome and/or FMR1-associated conditions through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, or other scholarly products.
• Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating behavioral or psychological interventions for individuals with fragile X syndrome or FMR1-associated conditions.
• Experience engaging with individuals and families affected by fragile X syndrome and/or FMR1-associated conditions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of clinical and behavioral research methods, human-subjects research, and responsible research practices relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Specialized knowledge of fragile X syndrome, FMR1-associated conditions, intellectual disability, and/or related neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions.
• Expertise in standardized clinical, psychological, neuropsychological, cognitive, and behavioral assessment and knowledge of evidence-based behavioral and psychological interventions.
• Strong quantitative and research data-analysis skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret complex behavioral and clinical data.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific presentations, research reports, and grant materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage research activities, provide scientific guidance and training to research personnel, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, research participants and families, and community and scientific partners.

Job Duty

Research Project Management and Scientific Leadership: Manage assigned research projects related to fragile X syndrome, FMR1-associated conditions, and related neurodevelopmental research under the direction of the PI. Contribute to study design and protocol development; coordinate implementation of research procedures; monitor study progress, data quality, and regulatory compliance; and identify and resolve scientific and operational issues. Coordinate activities across research personnel and collaborators and contribute specialized clinical and methodological expertise to the research program.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

30

Job Duty

Clinical, Behavioral, and Neuropsychological Research: Conduct and oversee standardized clinical, behavioral, psychological, and neuropsychological assessments with research participants, including individuals with fragile X syndrome, FMR1-associated conditions, and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Select and implement appropriate assessment procedures within approved research protocols; score, interpret, and summarize assessment data; support participant recruitment and research visits as needed; and train research personnel in reliable administration, scoring, and documentation of study measures. Contribute expertise to the development and implementation of behavioral and clinical intervention research.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

25

Job Duty

Data Analysis, Scientific Dissemination, and Grant Development: Lead and contribute to analysis and interpretation of behavioral and clinical research data. Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific abstracts, presentations, reports, and other scholarly products, with particular emphasis on research relevant to females with fragile X syndrome and FMR1-associated conditions. Lead or substantially contribute to the development of grant applications and other proposals supporting the PI’s research program. Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings and contribute to dissemination of research findings to scientific, clinical, and community audiences.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

25

Job Duty

Research Personnel Training and Mentorship: Provide scientific and technical guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research staff, and other trainees. Train and mentor research personnel in clinical and behavioral assessment, research methods, data analysis and management, scientific presentations, and manuscript preparation. Support the development and maintenance of standardized operating procedures and reliable implementation of research protocols.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

10

Job Duty

Research Program Development and Collaboration: Contribute to the continued development of the PI’s fragile X research program and the goals of the LivJoy Fellowship program. Develop and maintain productive collaborations with investigators, clinicians, advocacy organizations, participants and families, and other stakeholders in the fragile X community. Participate in scientific and professional development activities and contribute specialized expertise to new research initiatives, pilot studies, and collaborative projects relevant to the research program.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

10

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

01/01/2027

Position End Date

06/30/2030

Job Open Date

09/03/2026

Job Close Date

10/18/2026

Open Until Filled

No

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.