Assistant Scientist

Posting Number

RTF00270PO25

USC Market Title

Assistant Scientist

Link to USC Market Title

Business Title (Internal Title)

Assistant Scientist

Campus

Columbia

Work County

Richland

College/Division

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

CAS Psychology

Advertised Salary Range

Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00PM.
• Schedule must remain flexible to meet the needs of the department.
• Travel may be required for this position.

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 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

This position provides leadership in research focused on early detection of autism and anxiety in high-risk infants using multiple behavioral and physiological development indicators. The Assistant Scientist will work with the faculty principal investigator to serve as a key supporting role in the research program. Roles include assisting with overall leadership of a research study including supervising training and data collection fidelity, managing recruitment efforts, conducting assessments, mentoring and supervising students and staff, assisting with and leading manuscripts and grant applications, and preparing professional presentations.

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

• Doctoral degree in experimental, school, clinical or counseling psychology;
• One (1) year of post-graduate experience with advanced research training.
• In-depth training in developmental assessments with infants and young children is required.
• The completion of a postdoctoral fellowship in a related field is desired.
• Experience administering standardized assessments, such as Differential Ability Scales-2, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-2, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-4, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, Autism Observational Scale for Infants, Sensory Process Assessment, and Communication and Symbolic Behavior to children with neurodevelopmental disorders is preferred.
• Experience collecting, editing and analyzing complex electrocardiogram (ECG) data for infants and young children is also preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Key characteristics for a successful applicant include: in-depth training in assessment with young children with autism and their families; knowledge of ECG data collection procedures and analytic techniques; proficiency in psychological research methods, statistical analysis, and data interpretation; excellent written and spoken communication skills; ability to work without supervision; strong mentoring and supervisory skills.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Manage and supervise graduate students, undergraduates, and research specialists on research methodologies, data collection, and physiological data processing. Facilitate training on the psychological and physiological measures administered as part of the funded grant work underway.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

40

Job Duty

Assist in developing grant applications and conference presentations. Contribute to the scholarly dissemination of research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conference. Serve as mentor for graduate students and undergraduates and provide guidance on research design, writing, statistical analyses, and aspects of publication and presentation of research findings.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Conduct developmental and behavioral assessments in a standardized manner to research participants. Travel as needed.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Collaborate with project leadership to ensure reliability and fidelity in assessment administration. Facilitate communication between collaborating research teams, ensuring alignment and efficiency. Oversee recruitment efforts and communicate with recruitment partners to meet enrollment goals.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Follows and ensures compliance with federal, state and university policies and procedures.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

5

Job Duty

All other duties and responsibilities 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

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date

Job Open Date

12/04/2025

Job Close Date

01/16/2026

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 January 16, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting

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.