Research Assistant - Lab Tech

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina in Georgetown, SC invites applications for a Research Assistant - Lab Tech to help establish and organize a new coastal biology laboratory, support animal rearing, sample processing, and experiments. Work closely with the PI to develop lab spaces and maintain operations.

This role offers opportunities in data analysis, grant support, and scientific communication, with a 12-month term and a 37.5-hour week schedule.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree with no prior work experience, or equivalent.
• Experience in a field lab setting with instrumentation preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and analyze data.
• Willingness to work in coastal field environments.

Responsibilities

• Establish, organize, and maintain a new research laboratory and its processes.
• Procure and manage lab resources and equipment.
• Analyze and visualize biological and environmental data.
• Conduct field sampling of coastal organisms and water quality.
• Rear coastal invertebrates in controlled lab conditions.
• Contribute to grant proposals, reports, and publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Coastal field work

Independent work

Laboratory skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Posting Number:

RTF00228PO26

USC Market Title:

Research Assistant

Link to USC Market Title:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/213760

Business Title (Internal Title):

Research Assistant - Lab Tech

Campus:

Columbia

Work County:

Georgetown

College/Division:

College of Arts and Sciences

Department:

CAS Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$41,000

Location of Vacancy:

Georgetown, SC

Part/Full Time:

Full Time

Hours per Week:

37.5

Work Schedule:

• Standard schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department. Specifics will be discussed with Supervisor.

Type of Staff Position:

Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis :

12 months

Job Search Category:

Other Professional

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:

Dive into hands-on coastal research at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences! The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to help establish and organize a new coastal biology research laboratory while supporting innovative research focused on marine and coastal organisms. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will help develop and maintain laboratory spaces for animal rearing, biological sample processing, and behavioral and physiological experiments while contributing to the day-to-day operation of an active research environment.
This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in gaining valuable experience in marine and coastal science while developing practical laboratory and research skills. In addition to hands-on research activities, the Research Assistant will have opportunities to contribute to data analysis, research projects, grant proposals, and the communication of scientific findings. Join a collaborative research environment where your work will directly support the growth of the laboratory and contribute to advancing coastal biological research.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and no prior work experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials:

• Driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a field lab setting, including work with instrumentation and coastal invertebrates.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and effectively problem solve.
• Ability to analyze biological and environmental data and clearly communicate scientific interpretations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationship with others.
• Ability to work in coastal field environments.

Job Duty:

Collaborates with the Principal Investigator to establish, organize, and maintain a new research laboratory, including coordinating laboratory setup, equipment and supply needs, workspace organization, and operational procedures. Assists with developing and implementing laboratory processes to support efficient research activities and ensure the laboratory is prepared to meet ongoing project needs.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

30

Job Duty:

Coordinates the procurement, organization, and maintenance of laboratory resources, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation necessary to support research activities. Monitors inventory levels, identifies laboratory needs, facilitates equipment servicing and maintenance, and ensures resources and instrumentation are properly maintained, documented, and readily available for research use.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

30

Job Duty:

Analyzes, interprets, and visualizes biological and environmental datasets to support research objectives and scientific findings. Organizes and evaluates data, identifies trends and patterns, and develops graphs, figures, and other visual representations to effectively communicate research results and support ongoing data analysis and reporting.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

15

Job Duty:

Conducts field-based collection of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, and water quality data at coastal research sites in support of ongoing research projects. Implements established sampling protocols, operates and maintains field equipment, accurately records environmental observations and measurements, and properly collects, labels, preserves, and transports biological and water samples for subsequent laboratory processing and analysis.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Rears and maintains coastal invertebrates in a controlled laboratory environment, with particular emphasis on early-life stages, to support ongoing research and experimental activities. Monitors organism health and development, maintains appropriate environmental and culture conditions, follows established husbandry and experimental protocols, and accurately documents observations, growth, survival, and other relevant biological data.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Contributes to the development and preparation of grant proposals, conference presentations, scientific reports, and peer-reviewed publications by compiling research information, preparing data and figures, and assisting with written materials. Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and research team to communicate research findings and support scholarly activities, while performing other related duties as assigned to advance laboratory and research objectives.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

5

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

Number of Vacancies:

1

Desired Start Date:

11/01/2026

Position End Date :

10/31/2027

Job Open Date:

10/05/2026

Job Close Date:

11/19/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Special Instructions to Applicant:

Use of a personal vehicle will be required for this position.
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 November 19, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214038

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.