What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
RTF00045PO26
USC Market Title
Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387
Business Title (Internal Title)
Postdoctoral Fellow
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
CAS Physics and Astronomy
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
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.
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
No
Sick Leave
Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
This postdoctoral position is jointly supported by two research groups and focuses on materials synthesis, characterization, and high-pressure transport and synchrotron X-ray studies. Under limited supervision, the Postdoctoral Researcher will synthesize novel materials, perform structural and physical property characterization, and develop and operate advanced high-pressure instrumentation. The researcher will design and conduct high-pressure transport and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities to advance understanding of materials under extreme conditions.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field by the start date of employment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Demonstrated expertise in materials synthesis (e.g., solid-state, flux, or related techniques) or a strong background in high-pressure physics, particularly diamond anvil cell techniques, and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities.
- Ability to analyze complex experimental data, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment is expected.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Design, synthesize, and optimize novel materials using related synthesis techniques. Perform structural and physical property characterization using standard laboratory methods to evaluate phase purity, crystal structure, and functional properties.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Design and conduct synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities, as well as in-house high-pressure studies, to investigate the structural, transport, and magnetic properties of materials. Responsibilities include preparing competitive beam time proposals, coordinating experimental logistics, and performing measurements under extreme conditions such as high pressure and cryogenic temperatures.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Maintain essential lab equipment, document experimental procedures, analyze and interpret data.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing.
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
04/01/2026
Position End Date
03/31/2027
Job Open Date
03/18/2026
Job Close Date
05/02/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must provide (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a list of publications, (3) a research statement, and (4) at least three references, including contact information. References will be contacted for applications under serious consideration.Inquiries about this position may be directed to Professor Wenli Bi at wenlibi@sc.edu and Dr. Rongying Jin at RJIN@mailbox.sc.edu.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203652
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.