Assistant Scientist

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: about 13 hours ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 26 May 2024

Posting Summary


Logo For Posting
Posting Number RTF00115PO24
USC Market Title Assistant Scientist
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156373
Business Title (Internal Title) Assistant Scientist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Engineering and Computing
Department CEC Mechanical Engineering
Advertised Salary Range Commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 40
Work Schedule
Standard number of work hours per week are 40 hours/week; Monday – Friday; one hour for lunch.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to support the needs of the University and/or Department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional


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
Under limited supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), this individual will conduct research on a DARPA funded project to extract material properties from the inverse analysis of data-rich experiments.
Required Education and Experience
PhD degree in mechanical engineering (or a closely related engineering field with a focus on computational mechanics, optimization, and plasticity) and a publication record on the topic of metal plasticity or solution of inverse problems, plus one-year of post-graduate experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Expertise in computational mechanics, optimization, and plasticity, which could have been gained during the normal course of a doctoral degree program. Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Contribute to computational efforts in Gross Materials Lab research by conducting automated finite element modeling and optimization methods to solve inverse problems.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Contribute to efforts in the Gross Materials Lab to integrate experimental observations and simulation data by conducting data fusion and uncertainty quantification.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Maintain accurate and detailed data records, prepare research progress reports, deliverables to the project sponsor, and share findings via meetings and publications
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Provide supervision to graduate and undergraduate students and coordinate efforts with other researchers in the laboratory.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Assist the PI in the preparation of proposals for federally funded programs.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10


Position Attributes


Hazardous weather category 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 04/11/2024
Job Close Date 05/26/2024
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Make certain to provide the following information on the application:
  • Your Legal Name
  • Valid Email Address that you can access for at least six (6) months after the hire date
  • Provide Start and End Dates for All Inactive Jobs for which you are not actively employed
    • All information entered on your application is taken into consideration when reviewing your qualifications, etc. No assumptions are made for employment end-dates based on the next or previous job listed on the application.


    • Applicants should be prepared to upload:
    • Cover letter
    • Resume/CV
    • List of references and their contact information

    Applications are only being accepted until May 26, 2024.
    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.
    Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/166782
    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.

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