Research Associate

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Telecommuting options

Job summary

The University of South Carolina's CAS Physics and Astronomy Department invites a Research Associate to contribute to DOE-funded studies of the flavor content of nucleons and nuclei. You will perform data analysis, simulations, and analytical calculations of various physics processes under general supervision of the PI.

You will prepare and share findings at meetings, conferences and in publications; assist in training graduate and undergraduate students; and contribute to program evaluations

Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear and particle physics; knowledge of ROOT, MC simulation programs, and C++.

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis, simulations, and analytical calculations of physics processes.
• Prepare and share findings at meetings, conferences, and in publications.
• Assist in training graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to program evaluations and/or grant proposals.

Skills

Nuclear physics knowledge

Particle physics knowledge

ROOT

MC simulation programs

C++

Tools

ROOT

MC simulation programs

C++

Job description

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 Responsibilities

Research Associate

Department: CAS Physics and Astronomy

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Advertised Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), this individual will contribute to research on the study of the flavor content of nucleons and nuclei funded by the Department of Energy. The employee will perform data analysis, simulations, and analytical calculations of various physics processes; prepare and share findings at meetings, conferences, and in publications; assist in training graduate and undergraduate students; and contribute to program evaluations and/or grant proposals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience in nuclear and particle physics, knowledge of root, MC simulation programs, C++.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.

Job Close Date

08/23/2026

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.

Benefits For State Employees

• The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
• Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
• State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
• State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.