Post Doctoral Fellow

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance simulations and machine learning for functional materials. The role involves designing and running advanced computational experiments, guiding graduate and undergraduate researchers, and contributing to publications and grant proposals.

Work includes quantum and molecular dynamics simulations, ML-driven material design, and collaboration with the PI to push new project ideas forward.

Qualifications

• Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree by the start date of employment.
• Experience with simulations: quantum, molecular dynamics, QM/MM, ab initio MD, KMC, DFT, lattice Boltzmann or cellular simulation.
• Expertise in machine learning for material design or development of ML forcefield parameters.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement simulation models; run and validate simulations.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students; deliver lectures and training sessions.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations; communicate research outcomes at venues.
• Contribute to development of proposal concepts and co-write proposals with the PI.

Skills

Machine learning

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Quantum simulations

Molecular dynamics

QM/MM

Ab initio MD

Kinetic Monte Carlo

DFT

Python

PyTorch

C++

C

Fortran

Education

Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree

Tools

Python

PyTorch

C++

C

Fortran

Job description

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 September 1, 2026

• Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Post-doctoral

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

To provide research in the simulations and machine learning for the development of functional material. Assisting the PI to work on the research project and initiate the new projects and to also provide training assistance for the PhD students and provide lab maintainance.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following simulations: quantum simulations, molecular dynamic simulations (atomistic or/and coarse-grained), QM/MM methods, ab initio MD, Kinetic Monte Caro, constrained DFT , lattice Boltzmann, or cellular simulation. (2) Expertise in machine learning for material design or/and development of machine-learning forcefield parameters

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Quantum software and the MD simulation software. Programming skills in Python, Pytorch, C++, C, or Fortran

Job Duty

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research using computer simulations under the guidance of the PI. Responsibilities include designing and implementing simulation models, running and validating simulations, performing post-processing of data, and summarizing and interpreting results.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 50

Job Duty

The postdoctoral researcher will assist in supervising the research activities of graduate and undergraduate students. Responsibilities include delivering lectures and hands-on training sessions, mentoring students in the PI’s research group, monitoring research progress, and collaborating with the PI on manuscript preparation and revisions with student authors

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

The postdoctoral researcher will prepare manuscripts, develop scientific presentations, and communicate research outcomes effectively at local, national, and international venues, with limited supervision from mentors.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty

The postdoctoral researcher will participate in the preparation of research proposals. Responsibilities include contributing to the development of proposal concepts and co-writing proposals in collaboration with the PI.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

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 09/15/2026

Position End Date

Position End Date 09/14/2028

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/24/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/01/2026

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you or will you have at least a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment?
  • Yes
  • No