Post Doctoral Researcher

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina seeks a Post Doctoral Fellow to conduct research in polymer materials and process chemistry. You will work under a faculty mentor and help advance publications and grant proposals. The role includes building lab capabilities, supervising staff, and mentoring graduate students in a collaborative setting.

Required is a Ph.D. by the start date, with preferred expertise in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or related field by start date.
• Expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry and polymer analysis techniques.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in polymer materials and process chemistry to advance publications and proposals.
• Build lab capabilities within the Sims Group to accelerate productivity.
• Train and mentor graduate students and supervise lab personnel.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Writing & communication

Lab mentorship

Education

Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

NMR

IR

GPC

TGA

DSC

Rheology

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of thirty (30) business days on our job website. After thirty (30) 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 November 2, 2026. This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

• 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

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Other

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.

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 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

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

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

Percentage of Time 20

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 1

Desired Start Date 09/01/2026

Position End Date 08/31/2027

Job Open Date 08/04/2026

Job Close Date 11/02/2026

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
• * If selected for this position will you be willing to accept the advertised salary?
  • Yes
  • No