Research Associate

University of South Carolina; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Associate to conduct research for a Department of Energy funded project focused on molten salt thermodynamic database development. The role requires a master’s degree with a preference for candidates holding a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering, and involves significant laboratory work and research proposal preparation.

Benefits

Health and life insurance

Generous paid leave

Retirement programs

Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.
• PhD in a relevant field preferred.
• Expertise in chemical thermodynamic calculations required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on a Department of Energy funded project.
• Perform experimental measurements and aid in maintaining laboratory facilities.
• Lead preparation of research proposals and conduct literature searches.

Skills

Chemical thermodynamic calculations

Experimental measurement of thermal properties

Thermochemical modeling

Technical/scientific writing

Technical presentations

Education

Master's Degree in area of research specialty

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

If required, applicants should be prepared to upload:

• Resume and/or CV
• List of references and their contact information

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 August 7, 2025.

Generally Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

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.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

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

South Carolina Retirement No

State Insurance Programs

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Research Associate will conduct research on a Department of Energy ( DOE ) funded project to support the development of molten salt thermodynamic database; manage and perform work on nuclear fuel-related research grants that include experimental measurements and thermochemical modeling.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Expertise in chemical thermodynamic calculations and experimental measurement of thermal properties; ability to perform thermochemical modeling and system assessment; Ability to perform or learn to perform thermal measurements such as differential scanning calorimetry; Ability to perform analytical thermochemical calculations using the pycalphad and ESPEI software; Ability to write technical/scientific papers and reports in English; Ability to make technical presentation in English.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Perform Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams & Thermochemistry ( CALPHAD ) assessments/calculations for chemical systems of interest. This involves for specific material systems collecting and organizing thermodynamic data, evaluating the data, using the data to fit to thermodynamic models to generate relations that predict thermodynamic properties as a function of temperature, pressure, and composition. Provide these models in a suitable format for a database, adhering to the FactSage/Chemsage format.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 50

Job Duty

Perform experimental measurements and aid in maintaining laboratory facilities. This involves preparing material samples by mixing and heating reactants under controlled conditions. Analyzing materials using x-ray diffraction, ICP - OES , fusion, and differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ). Perform DSC measurements to obtain thermal properties of the material systems.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

Using the results from the assessments and experiments with resultant determination of thermal properties for materials, generate as needed reports, journal publications, and presentations. Support and participate in the preparation of manuscripts/slides for presentations and publications. As requested, report work at conferences and other meetings.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty

Lead the preparation of research proposals and conduct literature searches for technical information.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 15

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

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 07/16/2025

Position End Date

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 06/23/2025

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 08/07/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

If required, applicants should be prepared to upload:

• Resume and/or CV
• List of references and their contact information

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 August 7, 2025.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV /AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least a Master’s Degree in an area of research specialty?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

Curriculum Vitae