Post Doctoral Researcher

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks a Post Doctoral Researcher in the CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry department to advance research in reactive extrusion and polymeric materials. The fellow will work under a faculty mentor, contribute to skill development, and guide laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities include conducting research projects, training new techniques, and supervising RAs, with a focus on synthesis and material characterization, ensuring rigorous documentation and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by start date in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry.
• Familiarity with polymer analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, IR, GPC, TGA, DSC, rheology).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research or service that develops career skills and learning of new techniques.
• Work under a faculty mentor to determine training agenda and projects.
• Supervise research assistants and laboratory personnel.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polymer analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Post Doctoral Researcher

Department: CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

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.

Advertised Job Summary

The Post Doctoral Fellow will conduct research or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. Possible research projects may include reactive extrusion, high-performance composite materials, and/or microphase-separated polymeric materials. They will be trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Post Doctoral Fellow will also supervise research assistants and laboratory personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field by the start date of employment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• This position requires the following: (1) Expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry; (2) Familiarity with polymer analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, IR, GPC, TGA, DSC, rheology); and (3) Strong written and oral communication skills.

Job Close Date

09/18/2026

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.