Research Associate Jobs in South Carolina

Posting Number RTF00109PO26

USC Market Title Research Associate

Business Title (Internal Title) Research Associate

Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division College of Engineering and Computing

Department CEC Mechanical Engineering

Anticipated Hiring Range $52,526 - $75,000

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule

* Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
* Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college

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.

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. 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

Advertised Job Summary

A research associate will investigate and develop autonomous systems, such as unmanned surface vessels. Design and develop sensors (camera and lidar), guidance, navigation, and control systems onboard unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle operation in the littoral environment. Maintain and operate the USVs in littoral environments to acquire measurements required to meet research goals. Analyze data acquired using MATLAB or other programming languages. Documenting technical results and presenting the results in project meetings and conferences. Assistance in proposal preparations, journal article preparation, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related field, OR* a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field of study with more than 3 years of experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

* MATLAB and Python programming.
* C++, Hardware, and software experience in developing autonomous systems.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Design and develop autonomous systems for unmanned surface vessels. This includes perception systems (camera, Lidar, radar, and INS) and guidance, navigation, and control systems, implemented using ROS or directly in Python, MATLAB, or C++. A reliable collection of testing data is required from the autonomous system. Perform simulation of autonomous surface vessels in the maritime environment

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 40

Job Duty

Process and analyze collected data and sensor readings from the littoral environment using MATLAB or other computer languages. Identify and develop computer vision methods or other relevant approaches to process environmental data for situational awareness, such as ocean currents, wave states, and other variables. Identify and develop algorithms to analyze the data for autonomous vehicle navigation and control.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Create technical documentation of project results. Contribute to the monthly report required by the project sponsor. Prepare slides, videos, and demos for the quarterly project reviews. Present the research outcomes in internal meetings and conferences and to sponsors.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

Oversee students in using the sensor system and simulation of the autonomous systems. Guide students in troubleshooting the sensors and program (e.g., SDK) and simulation. Assist in instructing the students in autonomous surface vessel deployment and data acquisition in the littoral environment.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

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

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 08/16/2026

Position End Date 08/15/2027

Job Open Date 05/18/2026

Job Close Date 07/16/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicants must provide a copy of their C.V and a list of at least 3 contacts/references

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 July 16, 2026.

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.