Research Assistant - Lab Tech

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina invites applications for a Research Assistant – Lab Tech in the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences in Columbia, SC.

This full-time position supports establishing and organizing a coastal biology research laboratory and contributing to marine research activities. You will assist with animal rearing, sample processing, behavioral and physiological experiments, data analysis, and preparation of reports and proposals while developing practical

Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and problem-solve.
• Ability to analyze biological/environmental data and communicate interpretations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to work in coastal field environments.

Responsibilities

• Establish and organize a coastal biology lab, including animal rearing facilities.
• Prepare biological samples and conduct behavioral and physiological experiments.
• Support day-to-day operations of an active research program.
• Assist with data analysis, project work, and grant-related tasks.
• Contribute to communicating findings within the team and to collaborators.

Skills

Instruction following

Data analysis

Independent work

Coastal field work

Tools

Field instruments

Job description

Research Assistant - Lab Tech Department: CAS Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Salary Range: 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.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Job Close Date 11/19/2026

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.

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.