Post Doctoral Researcher

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks a Post Doctoral Fellow to conduct research in polymer materials and process chemistry under a faculty mentor. You will supervise lab personnel and help advance training agendas while developing foundational results for publications and grant proposals.

The position emphasizes polymer synthesis, analytical techniques, and strong written/oral communication skills, with a 12-month term and a 40/40/20 workload distribution.

Qualifications

• Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree by the start date of employment.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field by start date.
• Expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry and polymer analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research in polymer materials and process chemistry for publications and proposals.
• Build lab capabilities and assist with ordering, installation, and recommendations.
• Train and mentor graduate students, review results, and lead by example.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polymer analysis

Written and oral communication

Education

Doctoral degree by start date

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

IR spectroscopy

GPC

TGA

DSC

Rheology

Job description

Logo: Posting Number: RTF00180PO26

USC Market Title: Post Doctoral Fellow

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

Business Title (Internal Title): Post Doctoral Researcher

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry

Anticipated Hiring Range: $55,000

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm
• Schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the department or college.

Type of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis : 12 months

Job Search Category: Other

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.

South Carolina Retirement: Yes

State Insurance Programs: Yes

Annual Leave: Yes

Sick Leave: Yes

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.

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: N/A

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 Duty:

Conducting research in polymer materials and process chemistry to generate foundational results for publications and grant proposals. This work will use synthetic and analytical methods typical of organic polymer chemistry.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

40

Job Duty:

Building lab capabilities of the Sims Group in order to accelerate the establishment of full productivity. This will be done through helping with ordering, equipment installation, and providing own recommendations for lab capabilities.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

40

Job Duty:

Training & mentoring graduate students, which will both accelerate their development into independent scientists and develop the postdoc’s mentorship skills. This will be done through hands‑on demonstrations, reviewing results with students, revising papers/presentations, and leading by example.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date: 09/01/2026

Position End Date : 08/31/2027

Job Open Date: 08/04/2026

Job Close Date: 09/18/2026

Open Until Filled: No

EEO Statement:

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.