Research Specialist I

University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine; South Carolina; On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks a Research Specialist I to perform complex research techniques on grant-supported projects, including behavioral, electrophysiological, and neurochemical methods. Evening or weekend work may be required, with a strong emphasis on data quality and rigorous record keeping.

The ideal candidate holds a B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Chemistry or related field, and demonstrates written and oral communication skills, independence,

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
• Experience with in vivo approaches (e.g., surgical techniques, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology).
• Strong communication and writing skills; capable of rigorous record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments with rodents and analyze data; maintain records.
• Perform tissue preparation and neurochemical techniques.
• Train and assist graduate/undergraduate students.
• General lab duties including ordering supplies and maintaining sterile equipment.

Skills

Rodent handling

In vivo techniques

Behavioral analyses

Record keeping

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Chemistry or related field

B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Chemistry or related field

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number RTF00194PO26

USC Market Title Research Specialist

Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156402

Business Title (Internal Title) Research Specialist I

Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division School of Medicine Columbia

Department SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience

Anticipated Hiring Range $37,340

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Other

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

Advertised Job Summary The Research Specialist I will perform complex research techniques & procedures on grant-supported projects and conduct experiments using behavioral, electrophysiological, and neurochemical techniques. Occasional evening or weekend work will be required. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Chemistry, or related scientific field, a record of strong communication and writing skills, experience with in vivo approaches (e.g., surgical techniques, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology etc.). Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals with demonstrated ability to conduct research with rigorous record keeping and enthusiasm to take an active role in shaping the research program. This position is established in support of expanded research activities and is at least a one-year commitment. The candidate is expected to demonstrate commitment to professional business conduct, including adherence to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.

Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Chemistry or a related field.
• The individual must be highly motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a dynamic team.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience handling rodents (rats and/or mice), experience with rodent surgeries and perfusion, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology, neurochemical assays, etc.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations. English speaking/writing skills required.

Job Duties

Job Duty Conducting experiments with rodents, analyzing experimental data, orderly record keeping.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 50

Job Duty Perform tissue preparation and neurochemical techniques.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 5

Job Duty General lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining sterile equipment and tools, buffer preparation, dish washing etc.).

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Position Attributes

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

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date

Job Open Date 09/16/2026

Job Close Date 10/31/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant 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 October 31, 2026.

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.