Assistant Scientist

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: about 1 hour ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 25 Aug 2025

Posting Summary


Logo For Posting
Posting Number RTF00153PO25
USC Market Title Assistant Scientist
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156373
Business Title (Internal Title) Assistant Scientist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Engineering and Computing
Department CEC Mechanical Engineering
Advertised Salary Range Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
Generally Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional


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.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.


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 No
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes


Position Description


Advertised Job Summary
The Research Associate will conduct research on a Department of Energy (DOE) funded project to support the development of molten salt thermodynamic database; manage and perform work on nuclear fuel-related research grants that include experimental measurements and thermochemical modeling.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and one year of post-graduate job-related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Expertise in chemical thermodynamic calculations and experimental measurement of thermal properties; ability to perform thermochemical modeling and system assessment; Ability to perform or learn to perform thermal measurements such as differential scanning calorimetry; Ability to perform analytical thermochemical calculations using the pycalphad and ESPEI software; Ability to write technical/scientific papers and reports in English; Ability to make technical presentation in English.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Perform Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams & Thermochemistry (CALPHAD) assessments/calculations for chemical systems of interest. This involves for specific material systems collecting and organizing thermodynamic data, evaluating the data, using the data to fit to thermodynamic models to generate relations that predict thermodynamic properties as a function of temperature, pressure, and composition. Provide these models in a suitable format for a database, adhering to the FactSage/Chemsage format.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 50
Job Duty
Perform experimental measurements and aid in maintaining laboratory facilities. This involves preparing material samples by mixing and heating reactants under controlled conditions. Analyzing materials using x-ray diffraction, ICP-OES, fusion, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Perform DSC measurements to obtain thermal properties of the material systems.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Using the results from the assessments and experiments with resultant determination of thermal properties for materials, generate as needed reports, journal publications, and presentations. Support and participate in the preparation of manuscripts/slides for presentations and publications. As requested, report work at conferences and other meetings.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Lead the preparation of research proposals and conduct literature searches for technical information.
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 07/23/2025
Position End Date
Job Open Date 07/11/2025
Job Close Date 08/25/2025
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
If required, applicants should be prepared to upload:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume and/or CV
  • List of references and their contact information


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 August 25, 2025
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/190702
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.

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