Research Development Specialist

Research Development Specialist

Department: OOR Research Infrastructure Support

Part/Full Time:
Full Time

From the Upstate to the Low country, 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.

The Carolina Grants & Innovation Hub is seeking to hire a Research Development Specialist to join our team. The Research Development Specialist in the Carolina Grants & Innovation Hub (CGI Hub) supports research funding competitiveness through strategic management of the OVPR internal funding programs, coordination of limited submission opportunities, and sponsored funding prospecting. This position plays a key role in supporting the CGI Hub’s mission to elevate research excellence by connecting researchers to resources, fostering collaboration, and advancing proposal readiness.

The Specialist will work closely with stakeholders across USC colleges and campuses to streamline and manage internal competitions, identify funding opportunities, and manage limited submission processes. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Development, this position will exercise independent judgment and discretion in managing OVPR internal funding programs, coordinating limited submission competitions, and carrying out sponsored funding prospecting for faculty research.

• Knowledge of federal and foundation funding landscapes
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong written and oral communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines with attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and web-based submission tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, including faculty and staff

Job Close Date: 03/23/2026

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 on 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 March 23, 2026.

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Please visit

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.