Post Doctoral Fellow

Posting Summary

Logo For Posting
Posting Number	RTF00139PO25
USC Market Title	Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156385
Business Title (Internal Title)	Post Doctoral Fellow
Campus	Columbia
Work County	Richland
College/Division	Arnold School of Public Health
Department	ASPH Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Advertised Salary Range	Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time	Full Time
Hours per Week	40
Work Schedule	Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm 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	Post-doctoral

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 working as part of a transdisciplinary team on a project working to develop real-time vector-borne disease risk assessment in low resource areas. The postdoctoral fellow will be directly responsible for the development of adaptive predictive models for nowcasting vector-borne disease risk at local scales. This includes all aspects of model development, evaluation, parameterization, validation, and deployment. The postdoctoral fellow will work alongside collaborators at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to incorporate bioinformatic data and the Naval Advanced Medical Research Unit – Indo Pacific to determine end-user needs.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience	Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials	The postdoctoral fellow will need to hold or be able to obtain a passport and be willing to travel internationally for approximately 2 weeks each year.
Preferred Qualifications	Publication record using advanced predictive modeling techniques. Advanced knowledge of R, Python, or other relevant programming languages. Ability to use/learn several advanced modeling methods (e.g., statistical, mathematical, individual-based, or machine learning models). Experience with high-performance computing and version control (e.g., GitHub). History of working in cross-disciplinary teams and engaging non-scientists stakeholders.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities	Knowledge: A strong working knowledge of general predictive modeling methods, including model design, parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, and model evaluation. An understanding of data acquisition and curation methods for real-world data, including trapping, weather station, and satellite-derived datasets. Skills: Strong track record in predictive modeling design and evaluation, data management, scientific writing, teaching, problem solving and critical thinking. Abilities: The following capabilities are desired: independent research capabilities, analytical acumen, attention to detail, initiative, resilience, and ethical conduct of research

Job Duties

Job Duty	Develop software for predictive models for nowcasting local vector-borne disease risk using a variety of modeling frameworks, including mathematical, statistical, and machine learning. Actively engage in the development and evaluation of several advanced predictive models of vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology. This includes reviewing relevant literature, formulating models from first principles, initial model evaluation, parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, and model validation. The fellow will be responsible for clearly documenting all aspects of the model as well as maintaining version control.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	50

Job Duty	Prepare scientific manuscripts, posters, and presentations to disseminate research and findings to the broader scientific community.The fellow will be responsible for synthesizing results into clear, concise, and impactful narratives for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals, ensuring adherence to high standards of academic integrity and scientific rigor. Additionally, they will be responsible for presenting methodology and results at relevant scientific meetings.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Maintain and curate data and code associated with the project.The fellow will be responsible for maintaining and documenting all data and code associated with the project. This will include making sure that all primary data is submitted to appropriate repositories and ensuring that best practices for version control are followed.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Job Duty	Prepare presentations and reports for Department of Defense partners.The fellow will be responsible for providing monthly reports on project progress to Department of Defense partners. This will include written and visual presentations targeted at non-scientific stakeholders. Additionally, the fellow will be responsible for providing yearly presentations to Department of Defense stakeholders. This will include detailed presentations of methodology and results.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Job Duty	Work with Department of Defense partners and relevant stakeholders to identify needs and train end-users in the use of predictive modeling software.The fellow will be responsible for working directly with Department of Defense stakeholders to identify and implement needs throughout the life of the project. This could include adjusting model inputs/outputs or adjusting methodology. The fellow will also be responsible for developing written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for software use and training end-users during workshops.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

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	10/01/2025
Position End Date
Job Open Date	07/03/2025
Job Close Date	08/12/2025
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 12, 2025.   The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: 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  Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/190152
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.