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University of South Carolina

Research Assistant

University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

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Please see Special Instructions for more details. 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 February 23, 2026.

Advertised Salary Range $44,296 - Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

Standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the one hour for 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

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.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

South Carolina Retirement Yes

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

We seek a Research Assistant to support cognitive neuroscience projects investigating individual differences. The position involves recruiting and scheduling participants, conducting behavioral experiments and fMRI scanning sessions, preprocessing neuroimaging data, performing literature reviews, and assisting with computational analyses. The ideal candidate will work closely with graduate students and postdocs, gaining hands‑on experience with experimental design, neuroimaging methods, and data analysis techniques. This role offers excellent training opportunities for individuals pursuing graduate studies in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Python, MATLAB, or R.

Prior research experience in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or computational modeling.

Experience working with human participants.

Familiarity with fMRI/EEG/behavioral experiment software (PsychoPy, MATLAB Psychtoolbox).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Programming and computing skills are highly preferred. Ability to communicate clearly with participants and team members.

Job Duties

Analysis and visualization of data for research projects, particularly fMRI and behavioral data.

Writing manuscripts for publications, communicating the findings through meetings and conferences.

Coordinate participant communication, consent processes, and IRB‑compliant documentation.

Maintain lab equipment, manage lab inventory, assist with purchasing and logistics.

Contribute to lab meetings, scientific discussions, and peer‑review.

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category Non‑applicable.

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.

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 01/01/2026

Position End Date 12/31/2026

Job Open Date 01/09/2026

Job Close Date 02/23/2026

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.

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.

Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have at least a master's degree in area of research specialty? Yes

No

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