Post Doctoral Researcher

Posting Summary

Logo For Posting
Posting Number	RTF00134PO25
USC Market Title	Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156385
Business Title (Internal Title)	Post Doctoral Researcher
Campus	Columbia
Work County	Richland
College/Division	Arnold School of Public Health
Department	ASPH Environmental Health Sciences
Advertised Salary Range	Salary Commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time	Full Time
Hours per Week	40
Work Schedule	Monday – Friday, 8:30 am- 5:00 pm 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 Jilling Lab at the University of South Carolina’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences is seeking a motivated full-time postdoctoral researcher. This role focuses on cutting-edge research in soil health, particularly mineral-microbe-plant interactions, through projects studying soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Responsibilities include leading lab experiments, soil sampling across South Carolina, stable isotope analysis, mentoring students, managing data, and contributing to scientific publications. The position combines lab-based work with occasional field sampling, offering a dynamic research environment and opportunities for professional growth.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience	Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications	Previous experience in soil science research and expertise in the biological, chemical, and/or physical analysis of soil.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities	Taken coursework and/or engaged in research related to soil science Completed independent research projects on soil science, including experimental design, sample collection and processing, data analysis, and manuscript preparation Experience with the analysis of soil microbial respiration, nutrients, and organic matter pools Experience with the concepts and/or methods in stable isotope chemistry Attention to detail and strong organizational skills Ability to carry out lab protocols independently

Job Duties

Job Duty	Planning and coordinating field sampling activities for soil collection across various sites. Obtain representative soil samples necessary for analyzing soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics as part of research on mineral-microbe-plant interactions and soil organic matter cycling. Ensuring proper documentation and sample handling procedures are followed to maintain data integrity.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Job Duty	Assisting in the development and testing of standard operating procedures (SOPs), including quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) protocols; training students in safe and appropriate laboratory practices. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and safety in laboratory operations, and support the professional development of students working in the lab. Drafting and refining SOPs based on experimental needs and best practices, incorporating QC/QA measures to validate data integrity, and providing hands-on instruction and supervision to students in the correct use of lab equipment and procedures.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	15

Job Duty	Conducting laboratory analyses of soil samples to assess soil health and investigate the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen, to generate data that supports research on soil organic matter dynamics and mineral-microbe-plant interactions, contributing to a better understanding of nutrient cycling and soil function. Applying organic matter fractionation techniques and performing standard soil chemical and microbial assays within controlled lab-based soil incubation experiments, following established protocols to ensure data quality and reproducibility.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	40

Job Duty	Overseeing students and employees during field soil sampling, laboratory experiment preparation, and the processing of soil samples for gas and microbial analyses, ensuring field and laboratory procedures are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, contributing to high-quality data collection and the successful execution of research objectives. Providing hands-on guidance, delegating tasks based on skill level, monitoring adherence to protocols, and offering feedback and support throughout the sampling and analytical processes.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Job Duty	Mentoring students and employees in the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research data to build analytical skills within the research team, ensure accurate interpretation of results, and support the effective communication of scientific findings. Providing guidance on statistical and computational tools, reviewing data outputs collaboratively, offering feedback on data interpretation, and assisting with the preparation of presentations, reports, and manuscripts for scientific dissemination.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Job Duty	Conducting data analysis and preparing manuscripts for publication, to interpret experimental results and communicate research findings to the scientific community, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in soil health and biogeochemical cycling. Applying appropriate statistical and computational methods to analyze experimental data, synthesizing results into coherent narratives, and drafting, revising, and formatting manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
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	07/16/2025
Position End Date	06/15/2026
Job Open Date	06/25/2025
Job Close Date	07/18/2025
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 July 18, 2025
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/189736
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.