Post Doctoral Fellow at InsideHigherEd

Logo:Posting Number:RTF00247PO25USC Market Title:Post Doctoral FellowLink to USC Market Title:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387Business Title (Internal Title):Post Doctoral FellowCampus:ColumbiaWork County:RichlandCollege/Division:College of Arts and SciencesDepartment:CAS Chemistry and BiochemistryAdvertised Salary Range:Salary commensurate with qualifications - $55,000Part/Full Time:Full TimeHours per Week:37.5Work Schedule:Monday – Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pmSchedule may be subject to change to meet the needs of the department or college.Type of Staff Position:Staff Research Grant (SRGP)Basis :12 monthsJob Search Category:OtherAbout 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.South Carolina Retirement:YesState Insurance Programs:YesAnnual Leave:YesSick Leave:YesAdvertised Job Summary:We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team focused on developing polymers for antimicrobial applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials and will lead efforts to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy. Key responsibilities include polymer preparation, in vitro cell assays, and biofilm studies. Experience in working with microbial pathogens and characterizing polymer-bacteria interactions is essential. Familiarity with in vivo animal models for infection and treatment studies is desirable. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to translational research at the interface of chemistry, microbiology, and biomedical science.Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.Preferred Qualifications:PhD in polymer chemistry, materials science, microbiology, or a related field with expertise in antimicrobial research.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:This position requires knowledge of organic polymer preparation and antimicrobial cell assays. Must follow vigorous safety practices, conduct research, and participate in laboratory management.Job Duty:Polymer chemistry backgrounds:The duties will include developing synthetic small molecules and polymers. Emphasis will be placed on understanding structure and property relationships. Polymer preparation includes controlled polymerization and step-growth polymerization.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:30Job Duty:Antimicrobial research backgrounds:Typical Schlenk line and air-free synthesis skills. Preparation of small molecules and monomers at milligram and gram scalesEssential Function:YesPercentage of Time:30Job Duty:Characterization of small molecules, polymers, and cells:Spectroscopies of small molecules and polymers to understand compositions and interactions with cells.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:15Job Duty:Required to collaborate with research groups in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Modeling:Collaboration between Prof. Tang’s lab and collaborators in other research laboratories. Provide effective communication with the research team and presentation of research results to team members. There will be periodic joint meetings to discuss collaborative research.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:15Job Duty:Ability to handle multiple tasks:Collaborate with the Center director to manage the SmartState Center and its facilities. Write short proposals, research reports, and scientific manuscripts, and participate in scientific meetings and conferences.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:10Hazardous weather category:Non-EssentialEmployees 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.:NoNumber of Vacancies:1Desired Start Date:11/16/2025Position End Date :11/15/2026Job Open Date:11/10/2025Job Close Date:12/26/2025Open Until Filled:NoSpecial 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 December 26, 2025.Quicklink for Posting:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/197301EEO 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.