Research Scientist

Job Summary

Associate Scientist – Research Scientist position in the Biological Sciences department of the University of South Carolina will conduct independent research under the general direction of the Principal Investigator to advance projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Responsibilities include designing, optimizing, and implementing experimental approaches; analyzing data; troubleshooting; and developing new methodologies to support ongoing research.

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular, cellular, and biochemical experiments using cellular and mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Maintain daily laboratory operations, specialized equipment, and supervise laboratory personnel.
• Prepare research data for manuscripts, grant applications, progress reports, and scientific presentations.
• Perform advanced cell culture studies (iPSC‑derived neurons, rodent primary glial culture, etc.).
• Design experiments, maintain accurate records, analyze data, perform statistical analyses, and evaluate scientific literature.
• Communicate findings at meetings, seminars, conferences, and collaborative meetings.
• Provide mentorship to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees; supervise research activities and promote scientific rigor.
• Participate in institutional training (IACUC, IBC, EHS).

Minimum required: terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, or closely related field and three years of post‑graduate experience.

• PhD in the specified fields.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity (peer‑reviewed publications).
• Experience mentoring trainees and managing projects in an academic research environment.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, iPSC, DNA cloning, RNA isolation, qPCR, RNA sequencing, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein purification, imaging, mouse colony management, experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific reporting.

Health and life insurance, retirement programs, paid tuition, dependent scholarships, annual leave, sick leave, 13 paid holidays (including extended December holiday), paid parental leave, professional development opportunities.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate 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, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis under federal, state, local law or regulations.