Post Doctoral Fellow

Updated: about 11 hours ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 19 May 2024

Posting Summary


Logo For Posting
Posting Number RTF00106PO24
USC Market Title Post Doctoral Fellow
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156385
Business Title (Internal Title) Post Doctoral Fellow
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Arts and Sciences
Department CAS Biological Sciences
Advertised Salary Range We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
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 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.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.


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 About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at 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 Yes
Sick Leave Yes


Position Description


Advertised Job Summary
The Welshhans Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on NIH-funded studies examining the local translation of mRNAs in axons during neural development. The candidate, under the general supervision of the PI, will use advanced molecular and cellular techniques to study the interplay between adhesion and local translation during axon guidance. The ultimate goal of this work is to gain novel information about how the extracellular environment influences intra-axonal translation to mediate brain development. These research questions will be answered using a combination of cell biology, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy techniques, including TIRF microscopy and live cell imaging. The candidate will write manuscripts and reports on their research, present their research in group settings, and have access to opportunities to further their professional development.
Required Education and Experience
A terminal degree (PhD) in Neuroscience or a related discipline (such as Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology)
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology. Previous expertise with fluorescence microscopy, neuronal cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cell culture, and/or other molecular/cellular techniques is preferred, but not required. Strong candidates will demonstrate evidence of independence, have effective oral and written communication skills, and can collaborate with others.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
The individual must be able to design, conduct, and analyze experimental research. They must also be able to work independently and participate in a team. They must conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Design and perform molecular and cellular neurobiology experiments, examining how adhesion regulates local translation during development, in primary mouse cortical and hippocampal neurons and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived neurons. This work will be executed independently (with guidance from the PI) to collect novel data on the complex processes underlying brain development.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Complete molecular and cellular neurobiology experiments and conduct a variety of cell culture tasks. These include primary cell culture of mouse cortical and hippocampal neurons, culture and differentiation of hiPSCs, and maintenance of human cell lines. This work will be executed independently
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Conduct research design and implementation. This includes experimental design, recording experimental procedures, analyzing data, and interpreting results. This work also requires reading scientific literature that is relevant to the fellow’s research project. This work is necessary for the fellow to manage and develop their research project, and will be conducted independently, with guidance from the PI
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Oversee and mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers. This task will be completed independently and will further the scientific and professional development of the fellow through learning how to supervise and direct the research of their mentees
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Participate in career development activities and other training activities, including safety training. This training will take place in small group or classroom settings and is necessary to ensure safety in the laboratory and further the development of the fellow as an independent scientist.
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
Position End Date
Job Open Date 04/04/2024
Job Close Date 05/19/2024
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 May 19, 2024.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities

 Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/166410
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.