About this position
Logo:
Posting Number:
RTF00052PO26
USC Market Title:
Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387
Business Title (Internal Title):
Post Doctoral Fellow
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
College of Arts and Sciences
Department:
CAS Chemistry and Biochemistry
Anticipated Hiring Range:
$52,526-$56,000
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
- Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm.
- Schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the Department or University.
- 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:
Other
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.
South Carolina Retirement:
Yes
State Insurance Programs:
Yes
Annual Leave:
Yes
Sick Leave:
Yes
Advertised Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team focused on developing polymers forantimicrobial applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materialsand 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 tocontribute 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 the development of synthetic small molecules and polymers. The emphasis will be placed on understanding structure and property relationships. Polymer preparation includes controlled polymerization and step-growth polymerization.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage of Time:
30
Job Duty:
Antimicrobial research backgrounds:
Typical Schlenk line and air-free synthesis skills. Preparation of small molecules and monomers at milligram and gram scales
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage of Time:
30
Job Duty:
Characterization of small molecules, polymers, and cells :
Spectroscopies of small molecules and polymers to understand compositions and interactions with cells.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage of Time:
15
Job Duty:
Required to collaborate with research groups in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Modeling:
The duties will include collaboration between Prof. Tang’s lab and collaborators in other research laboratories. There will be periodic joint meetings to discuss collaborative research. It requires communication with the research team and presenting research results to team members.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage of Time:
15
Job 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, as well as participate in scientific meetings and conferences.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage of Time:
10
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
Number of Vacancies:
1
Desired Start Date:
04/01/2026
Position End Date :
03/31/2027
Job Open Date:
03/24/2026
Job Close Date:
10/15/2026
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 October 15, 2026.
This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
Quicklink for Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203878
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.