Post Doctoral Fellow

Posting Summary

Logo For Posting
Posting Number	RTF00101PO25
USC Market Title	Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387
Business Title (Internal Title)	Post Doctoral Fellow
Campus	Columbia
Work County	Richland
College/Division	College of Arts and Sciences
Department	CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry
Advertised Salary Range	Commensurate with qualifications -$55,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time	Full Time
Hours per Week	37.5
Work Schedule	Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm; Your schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the department or university.
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.

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	Yes
State Insurance Programs	Yes
Annual Leave	Yes
Sick Leave	Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary	The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for the preparation of polymers and advanced functional materials. These materials will be evaluating their structure-property relationship by various characterization tools including: spectroscopy, chromatography, thermomechanical analysis.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience	Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials	N/A
Preferred Qualifications	Ph.D. by the start date of employment in chemistry, materials science or a related field with expertise in polymeric materials. In addition, it is preferred that the candidate has polymer research and organic synthesis experience, functional materials characterization, and lab management skills.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities	This position requires knowledge of organic polymer preparation and advanced polymer characterization. It is expected that the postdoctoral fellow will follow vigorous safety practice, conduct research, participate in laboratory management, write proposals and reports on funded projects, publish results in scientific journals and present results in scientific conferences, advise students, technical associates, and assist in the communications and services to satisfy the needs of the sponsors.

Job Duties

Job Duty	Polymer science backgrounds; The duties will include the development of synthetic polymers and functional materials. The emphasis will be placed on understanding structure and property relationships. Polymer preparation includes controlled polymerization and step growth polymerization.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	30

Job Duty	Organic synthesis backgrounds; Typical Schlenk line and air-free synthesis skills. Preparation of small molecules and monomers at milligram and gram scales.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Characterization of small molecules and polymers; Spectroscopies of small molecules and polymers to understand compositions and molecular weight. Thermal and mechanical properties of polymers
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Required to collaborate with research groups in Chemistry and Materials Science; Science; The duties will include collaboration between Prof. Tang’s lab and collaborators in other research laboratories. There will be periodic joint meetings to discuss collaborative research. It requires communication with the research team and presenting research results to team members.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	15

Job Duty	Ability to handle multiple tasks; The duties will include assisting the center director, Prof. Tang, in managing the SmartState center and center facilities. It also includes writing short proposals, research reports and scientific manuscripts, as well as participation in scientific meetings and conferences.
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	05/16/2025
Position End Date	05/15/2026
Job Open Date	05/13/2025
Job Close Date	08/11/2025
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicant	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 11, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/187281
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.