Post Doctoral Fellow

University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine; South Carolina; On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pocivavsek Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to study the interplay between tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, sleep, and cognition in rodents. Experimental work will encompass biochemistry (in vivo microdialysis and HPLC), pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience.

Under general supervision, the fellow will perform in vivo experiments, analyze data, and

Qualifications

• PhD required by start date.
• Experience with EEG/EMG preferred.
• Strong background in neurochemistry and rodent neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• Perform biochemical experiments and analyses on brain tissue.
• Conduct behavioral analyses and pharmacological manipulations in rodents.
• Carry out stereotaxic surgeries and post-surgical follow-up.
• Analyze data and contribute to manuscripts and presentations.
• Supervise students and assist with lab duties.

Skills

Neurochemistry

Neuroanatomy

Neurophysiology

EEG/EMG

Rodent work

Data analysis

Manuscripts

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in related field

Job description

Posting Summary

Posting Number RTF00169PO26

USC Market Title Post Doctoral Fellow

Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387

Business Title (Internal Title) Post Doctoral Fellow

Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division School of Medicine Columbia

Department SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience

Anticipated Hiring Range $ 63,480

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Other

About USC

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

• South Carolina Retirement Yes
• State Insurance Programs Yes
• Annual Leave Yes
• Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Pocivavsek Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to, under general supervision, investigate the interplay between tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, sleep and cognition in rodents. Experimental work will encompass mainly biochemistry (in vivo microdialysis and HPLC), pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience (learning and memory in rodents, EEG / EMG sleep recordings).

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

• Experience/expertise in EEG / EMG sleep recordings, pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents in a laboratory setting desired.
• A strong knowledge of the hippocampus and the brain’s learning and memory circuitry is preferred.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Fundamental knowledge and research experience in neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, neurophysiological assessments, receptors and pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents.
• Ability to work independently and in a team. Should be able to analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and communicate effectively.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.

Job Duties

• Perform biochemical experiments. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 35)
• Perform behavioral analysis and pharmacological manipulations in rodents. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 20)
• Perform stereotaxic surgery or other surgical procedures and post-surgical follow-up. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 20)
• Perform histological, neurochemical and molecular procedures on brain tissue and plasma. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 10)
• Analyze and summarize data, prepare presentations and manuscripts, conduct literature analysis on projects. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 10)
• Supervise students in the lab and assist with lab duties such as dishes, compliance, ordering supplies, etc. (Essential Function Yes; Percentage of Time 5)

Position Attributes

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

Posting Detail Information

• Number of Vacancies 1
• Desired Start Date
• Position End Date
• Job Open Date 07/16/2026
• Job Close Date 12/31/2026
• 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 31, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208907

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.