Post Doctoral Fellow

About this position

Logo:

Posting Number:

RTF00169PO26

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:

School of Medicine Columbia

Department:

SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$ 63,480

Part/Full Time:

Full Time

Hours per Week:

37.5

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Must be flexible 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:

The Pocivavsek Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to, under general supervision, investigate the interplay between tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, sleep and cognition in rodents. Experimental work will encompass mainly biochemistry (in vivo microdialysis and HPLC), pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience (learning and memory in rodents, EEG/EMG sleep recordings).

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty by the start date of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience/expertise in EEG/EMG sleep recordings, pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents in a laboratory setting desired.
• A strong knowledge of the hippocampus and the brain’s learning and memory circuitry is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Fundamental knowledge and research experience in neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, neurophysiological assessments, receptors and pharmacological approaches, and working with rodents.
• Ability to work independently and in a team. Should be able to analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and communicate effectively.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.

Job Duty:

Perform biochemical experiments.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

35

Job Duty:

Perform behavioral analysis and pharmacological manipulations in rodents.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Job Duty:

Perform stereotaxic surgery or other surgical procedures and post-surgical follow-up.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Job Duty:

Perform histological, neurochemical and molecular procedures on brain tissue and plasma.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Analyze and summarize data, prepare presentations and manuscripts, conduct literature analysis on projects.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Supervise students in the lab and assist with lab duties such as dishes, compliance, ordering supplies, etc.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

5

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

Job Open Date:

07/16/2026

Job Close Date:

12/31/2026

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 December 31, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208907

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.