What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at University of South Carolina?
For Posting
Posting Number
RTF00086PO25
USC Market Title
Research Specialist
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156402
Business Title (Internal Title)
Research Specialist
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
CAS Psychology
Advertised Salary Range
$32,686 - $36,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 8:30AM -5PM
1 Hour Lunch
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
1 Hour Lunch
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
The hired candidate will work with a team to coordinate research operations of the
Early Social Development Lab in the department of Psychology. Responsibilities will
include: participant recruitment, data collection and administration of experimental
procedures (electrocardiogram, eye tracking, and behavioral measures), administration
of infant and toddler behavioral assessments, electrocardiogram and eye tracking data
post-processing, data entry, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings.
Early Social Development Lab in the department of Psychology. Responsibilities will
include: participant recruitment, data collection and administration of experimental
procedures (electrocardiogram, eye tracking, and behavioral measures), administration
of infant and toddler behavioral assessments, electrocardiogram and eye tracking data
post-processing, data entry, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
N/A
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interacting with infants or children; OR experience in a research
setting.
setting.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Must have a strong understanding of research protocols, data management practices, and compliance requirements. Proficiency in REDCap or similar data entry software is essential, along with the ability to train and supervise research assistants in accurate data collection procedures. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, along with strong attention to detail, are necessary to ensure data accuracy and accessibility. Effective communication skills are also critical for engaging with participants and collaborating with research teams. Additionally, knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, financial management for participant incentives, and problem-solving skills to address challenges in study operations are key to success in this role.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conduct and teach complex behavioral and physiological data collection with infants, toddlers, and caregivers. Data will be collected in participants’ homes. Data collection will involve traveling to homes, training undergraduates in data collection procedures, and maintaining an organized system for data storage.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Oversee research procedures including participant scheduling and retention, data collection and storage, and lab process efficiency, and advise the principal investigator and others on research techniques and procedures.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Job Duty
Manage a large research database and train others in data entry.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Job Duty
Provide operational guidance on the day-to-day activities of research staff and student workers.
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
05/16/2025
Position End Date
04/30/2027
Job Open Date
04/23/2025
Job Close Date
04/30/2025
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 April 30, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/186010
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.
Salary : $32,686 - $36,000
