Post Doctoral Fellow

University of South Carolina

South Carolina

On-site

USD 52,000 - 72,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

University of South Carolina invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Feilong Lab. The role focuses on behavioral and neuroimaging methods to study the neural organization of affect and individual differences, including data acquisition, analysis, and manuscript preparation.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze multimodal data, and present findings at seminars and conferences, while mentoring students and contributing to grant writing.

Qualifications

Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree by start date.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct independent and collaborative studies of neural organization of affect and individual differences.
Preprocess and analyze behavioral, fMRI, and other multimodal data.
Write, revise, and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at meetings.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and other junior lab members.
Contribute to grant proposals and progress reports.

Skills

Cognitive neuroscience

Behavioral research

fMRI methods

Quantitative data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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 12, 2026.

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch.
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

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

Yes

State Insurance Programs

Yes

Annual Leave

Yes

Sick Leave

Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct advanced research within the Feilong Lab using behavioral and neuroimaging methods. Primary responsibilities include data acquisition, data analysis, writing manuscripts, research presentations, and mentoring junior members of the lab.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field by the appointment start date.
Experience with MRI data acquisition and analysis.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of cognitive neuroscience, behavioral research, and fMRI methods; skill in quantitative data analysis and scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB ).
Ability to design and conduct research, interpret findings, and communicate results clearly.
Ability to work independently, collaborate with colleagues, and mentor junior researchers.

Job Duties

Design and conduct independent and collaborative studies of the neural organization of affect and individual differences. Develop research questions and experimental paradigms, acquire behavioral and fMRI data using naturalistic stimuli, and document study procedures.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 35

Preprocess and analyze behavioral, fMRI, and other multimodal data. Apply statistical and computational methods to address research questions, develop or adapt analysis pipelines, and assess data quality and reproducibility.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 25

The Postdoctoral Fellow will write, revise, and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at lab meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences. These activities will disseminate the Feilong Lab’s research on the neural organization of affect, contribute to the scientific literature, and promote collaboration and visibility for the lab’s work. The fellow will prepare clear written reports of study methods and results, respond to coauthor and reviewer feedback, and develop professional presentations tailored to academic and scientific audiences.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and other junior lab members in study design, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing. Provide scientific guidance and training within collaborative projects.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Contribute to grant proposals and progress reports by preparing methods, preliminary analyses, and other research documentation.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Maintains current knowledge of relevant research developments and methodological advances; participate in professional development opportunities; and contribute to laboratory and departmental activities that support the research program.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 5

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

Desired Start Date

05/16/2027

Position End Date

05/15/2028

Job Open Date

10/28/2026

Job Close Date

12/12/2026

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicant

We are only accepting applications submitted by December 12, 2026.

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

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