Basis: 12 months
Job Search Category: Other Professional
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.
Advertised Job Summary
The Research Scientist will conduct independent research under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) to advances projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. The position is responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing experimental approaches; analyzing and interpreting experimental data; troubleshooting complex research problems; and developing new methodologies to support ongoing and future research initiatives. The Research Scientist will oversee daily laboratory operations, maintain specialized research equipment, supervise laboratory personnel, and assist the PI with research planning, resource management, and project coordination. The individual will also contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, and scientific presentations while ensuring compliance with institutional polices governing laboratory safety and research integrity.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and three years of post-graduate job-related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D (or equivalent terminal degree) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including peer-review publications.
- Experience mentoring trainees and managing projects in an academic research environment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Must have knowledge in molecular cellular neurobiology with demonstrated expertise in: mammalian cell culture and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC); molecular biology techniques including DNA cloning, RNA isolation, qPCR, RNA sequencing, and gene expression analyses; protein biochemistry including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein purification and analysis; cellular/tissue imaging and imaging analysis; mouse colony management; experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and scientific reporting.
Job Duties
Conduct Independent Research: Design, execute, and optimize molecular, cellular, and biochemical experiments to investigate the signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and mouse models. Independently analyze and interpret experimental findings, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop experimental strategies that advance the laboratory’s research objectives. Prepare research data for publications, grant applications, progress reports, and scientific presentations. (40%)
Perform advanced cell culture studies: Establish, maintain and conduct experiments in a variety of cell lines. These include iPSC-derived neurons and glia, rodent primary cell culture of glial cells, and applicable cell lines. This work will be executed independently. (20%)
Experimental design, implementation and project development: Duties include designing experiments, maintaining accurate records of experimental procedures, analyzing data, performing statistical analyses, interpreting results, and critically evaluating current scientific literature relevant to ongoing research projects. These activities are essential for the development, management, and advancement of research projects. (20%)
Scientific Communication and Research Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts, progress reports, grant-related materials, and present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and collaborative meetings to facilitate scientific exchange and dissemination of research discoveries. (5%)
Research Supervision and Mentorship: Provide scientific mentorship and technical training to undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff, and postdoctoral fellows. Supervise research activities, promote scientific rigor and reproducibility, ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, and foster the professional development of laboratory personnel. (5%)
Institutional training: Participate in training activities (including those required for IACUC, IBC, EHS). This training will take place in small group or classroom settings and is necessary to ensure safety in the laboratory and further the development of the fellow as an independent scientist. (5%)
Other duties as assigned: Other essential activities for the good of the laboratory, department and university will be occasionally assigned at the discretion of the PI (and in consultation with employee). These are aimed at ensuring continued research funding to laboratory. (5%)
