Research Assistant

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking a Staff Research Grant (SRGP) candidate to assist the Brain Research Across Development (B-RAD Lab). The role involves recruiting participants, scheduling visits, and collecting data across several modalities including EEG and eye tracking.

The candidate will work closely with the lab team to manage data and assist with weekly lab meetings and training sessions. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience with child populations are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant research field.
• Experience with research involving infants, children, or adolescents.
• Technical skills in cognitive neuroscience methods (e.g., EEG, fMRI, fNIRS, eye tracking).

Responsibilities

• Coordinates participant recruitment and schedules on-site and off-site visits.
• Conducts data-collection activities including EEG, eye tracking, and ECG.
• Prepares and maintains research materials and documentation for visits.
• Records, enters, and reviews research data and study records.
• Coordinates routine lab operations and trains volunteers.
• Monitors supplies and escalates technical or procedural issues.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Independent working and teamwork

Word/Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in area of research specialty

B.A or B.S. in Psychology

Developmental Science

Cognitive Neuroscience

Job description

Type of Staff Position

Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Other Professional

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

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Caitlin Hudac in the Brain Research Across Development (B‑RAD ) Lab to accelerate research on externally funded studies that work with multiple methods with neurotypical and neurodiverse populations, including autistic children, adolescents, and adults This position will be responsible for participant recruitment, scheduling, data collection (both on-site and off-site), and data management. Data include daily surveys, electroencephalography ( EEG ), eye tracking, and electrocardiogram ( ECG ). This person in this position will have opportunities to work closely with other team members during data analysis and interpretation.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A or B.S. in Psychology, Developmental Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience working in a research laboratory working with infants, children, or adolescents;
• Technical skills executing cognitive neuroscience methods (e.g., EEG , fMRI, fNIRS, eye tracking).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with children and/or parents.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate on a team.
• Knowledge of computer administration of basic programs (e.g., Word, Excel).

Job Duties

• Coordinates participant recruitment and schedules on‑site and off‑site research visits in accordance with established study procedures.

  Essential Function Yes

  Percentage of Time 30

• Conducts established research data‑collection activities, including daily surveys, electroencephalography ( EEG ), eye tracking, and electrocardiogram ( ECG ), following approved protocols and standard operating procedures.

  Essential Function Yes

  Percentage of Time 30

• Prepares and maintains research materials, equipment, and documentation needed for participant visits and assigned research activities.

  Essential Function Yes

  Percentage of Time 15

• Records, enters, organizes, and reviews research data and study records for completeness and accuracy; maintains secure and organized electronic and/or physical research files.

  Essential Function Yes

  Percentage of Time 15

• Coordinates routine laboratory operations by scheduling volunteer research assistants, communicating laboratory needs, and assisting with the planning and execution of weekly lab meetings and regular training sessions. Provides task‑based guidance to volunteers on established procedures.

  Essential Function Yes

  Percentage of Time 5

• Supports day‑to‑day research operations by monitoring assigned supplies, communicating routine updates to the research team, and escalating technical, participant, or procedural issues to the supervisor or higher‑level research staff.

  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.

No

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 09/16/2026

Position End Date 05/31/2027

Job Open Date 09/11/2026

Job Close Date 10/26/2026

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.