University of South Carolina
Research Specialist I
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $33K
💻 Research
🗓️ December 16th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Research Specialist I to support NIH-funded research in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience. The role involves conducting experiments on rodents using advanced techniques to study brain mechanisms related to neuropsychiatric disorders, maintaining rodent colonies, managing lab duties, and assisting in student training.
Highlights
- Conduct experiments with rodents including behavioral assays and surgical interventions.
- Maintain rodent colonies and handle husbandry tasks.
- Perform general lab tasks such as ordering supplies, preparation of buffers, and equipment maintenance.
- Present research findings and participate in group journal clubs.
- Train and assist graduate and undergraduate students.
- Preferred knowledge includes neuroscience, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
- Experience with rodent handling, behavioral tests, and neural activity recording is preferred but not required.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in a research specialty area.
- Salary advertised at $32,686 annually for full-time employment (37.5 hours/week).
- Position supports NIH-funded research projects focused on brain mechanisms of fear, anxiety, learning, memory, and addiction.
Research Specialist I Full Description
Research Specialist I
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
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.
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 January 25, 2026.
Posting Details
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Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number | RTF00108PO25
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
Advertised Salary Range | 32,686.00
Location of Vacancy | SC
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
Posting Number | RTF00108PO25
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
Advertised Salary Range | 32,686.00
Location of Vacancy | SC
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.
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
State Insurance Programs | Yes
Annual Leave | Yes
Sick Leave | Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | A highly-motivated research assistant with interest in Neuroscience and Pharmacology is sought to work on grant-supported projects in the lab of Dr. David Mott in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience within the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Candidates will use cutting-edge techniques to study and understand how synaptic transmission between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells in the brain is modified as a result of experience. Previous research experience is preferred but not required. All dedicated candidates interested in gaining research experience prior to applying to graduate or medical school or interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research at academic, pharmaceutical, or biotech institutions are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to enthusiastic and passionate candidates with strong problem-solving skills who have demonstrated an ability to work as part of a team.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry/Chemical Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Previous experience handling rodents and with rodent behavioral tests is preferred but not required. Previous research experience is preferred but not required. Previous experience recording neural activity in rodents is preferred but not required. Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry/Chemical Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Previous experience handling rodents and with rodent behavioral tests is preferred but not required. Previous research experience is preferred but not required. Previous experience recording neural activity in rodents is preferred but not required. Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Conducts experiments with rodents, including behavioral assays and surgical interventions, as well as analyzing experimental data and record keeping.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 45Job Duty | Performs rodent colony maintenance (husbandry, etc.).
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Performs general lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining instruments, preparation of buffers, washing glassware, etc.).
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Presents research findings to the group and participates in group journal clubs.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Performs other duties as assigned
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 45Job Duty | Performs rodent colony maintenance (husbandry, etc.).
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Performs general lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining instruments, preparation of buffers, washing glassware, etc.).
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Presents research findings to the group and participates in group journal clubs.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Performs other duties as assigned
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
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
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 | 06/01/2025
Position End Date |
Job Open Date | 05/21/2025
Job Close Date | 01/25/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
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 January 25, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/187501
EEO Statement | 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.
Desired Start Date | 06/01/2025
Position End Date |
Job Open Date | 05/21/2025
Job Close Date | 01/25/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
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 January 25, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/187501
EEO Statement | 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 a bachelor's degree in area of research specialty?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
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