Cellular & Molecular Research Tech

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Dependent Scholarships

13 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks a skilled researcher to conduct mammalian cell culture, molecular and biochemical assays, and imaging under supervision. You will prepare reagents, maintain records, and ensure lab safety compliance while supporting PI-directed projects.

Preferred candidates have experience in cell culture, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunostaining, and microscopy, with strong organizational skills and data management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
• Experience with standard mammalian cell culture, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunostaining, fluorescence or confocal microscopy, and basic image analysis preferred.
• Strong ability to follow SOPs, maintain accurate lab records and ensure safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and prepare media/reagents as per SOPs.
• Perform molecular/biochemical assays including PCR/qPCR, immunoassays, protein assays, and related processing.
• Prepare specimens for immunostaining and microscopy; acquire and organize fluorescence/confocal images.
• Maintain complete, contemporaneous notebooks, electronic data files, and quality-control documentation.
• Assist with lab supplies, equipment logs, and safety/compliance records.

Skills

Cell culture

PCR/qPCR

Microscopy

Immunostaining

Image analysis

Data management

SOP adherence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related field

Tools

PCR/qPCR equipment

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 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 10, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance

Dependent Scholarships

13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

Professional Development Opportunities

• Standard schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Other Professional

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 Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Research Associate and general supervision of the Principal Investigator, conducts established mammalian cell culture, molecular, biochemical, and microscopy procedures. Prepares reagents and samples; performs assigned PCR /qPCR, protein, immunostaining, and imaging assays; maintains accurate records and organized data; maintains equipment, supplies, and laboratory safety compliance.

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 biology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a related field, plus at least one year of related laboratory research experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, PCR or qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA , immunostaining, fluorescence or confocal microscopy, and basic image analysis.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of standard laboratory safety and quality-control practices; skill in following detailed SOPs, maintaining accurate research records, and using common laboratory instrumentation; ability to organize workload, communicate findings, and recognize when to consult a supervisor.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Maintain mammalian cell cultures; prepare media and reagents; monitor cultures; and document routine cell-culture activities according to established SOPs.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Prepare samples and perform established molecular and biochemical assays, including PCR or qPCR, immunoassays, protein assays, and related sample-processing procedures.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Prepare specimens for immunostaining and microscopy; acquire fluorescence or confocal images; and organize image files for investigator review and analysis.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

Maintain complete, contemporaneous laboratory notebooks, electronic data files, sample logs, and quality-control documentation.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty

Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, equipment logs, and required safety and compliance records; assist with routine equipment upkeep and report problems promptly.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

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.

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 01/15/2027

Position End Date

Position End Date 01/14/2028

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/26/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 12/10/2026

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 December 10, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance

Dependent Scholarships

13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

Professional Development Opportunities

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in area of research specialty?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Other Supporting Documents