What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Scientist position at University of South Carolina?
For Posting
Posting Number
RTF00039PO25
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
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
40
Work Schedule
Generally Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Schedule may vary to meet the needs of the department
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
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 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 "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
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.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a terminal degree (PhD or similar) in an area of research specialty and one year of post-graduate job-related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
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.
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
04/01/2025
Position End Date
Job Open Date
02/18/2025
Job Close Date
04/04/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants should be prepared to upload:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- List of references and their contact information
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 April 4, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/183572
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.
