Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina

Posting Number RTF00228PO26

USC Market Title Research Assistant

Business Title (Internal Title) Research Assistant - Lab Tech

Campus Columbia

Work County Georgetown

College/Division College of Arts and Sciences

Department CAS Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences

Anticipated Hiring Range $41,000

Location of Vacancy Georgetown, SC

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department. Specifics will be discussed with Supervisor.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Other Professional

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

Dive into hands-on coastal research at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences! The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to help establish and organize a new coastal biology research laboratory while supporting innovative research focused on marine and coastal organisms. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will help develop and maintain laboratory spaces for animal rearing, biological sample processing, and behavioral and physiological experiments while contributing to the day-to-day operation of an active research environment.

This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in gaining valuable experience in marine and coastal science while developing practical laboratory and research skills. In addition to hands-on research activities, the Research Assistant will have opportunities to contribute to data analysis, research projects, grant proposals, and the communication of scientific findings. Join a collaborative research environment where your work will directly support the growth of the laboratory and contribute to advancing coastal biological research.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

* Requires a bachelor’s degree and no prior work experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

* Driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in a field lab setting, including work with instrumentation and coastal invertebrates.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and effectively problem solve.
Ability to analyze biological and environmental data and clearly communicate scientific interpretations.
Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationship with others.
Ability to work in coastal field environments.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Collaborates with the Principal Investigator to establish, organize, and maintain a new research laboratory, including coordinating laboratory setup, equipment and supply needs, workspace organization, and operational procedures. Assists with developing and implementing laboratory processes to support efficient research activities and ensure the laboratory is prepared to meet ongoing project needs.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Coordinates the procurement, organization, and maintenance of laboratory resources, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation necessary to support research activities. Monitors inventory levels, identifies laboratory needs, facilitates equipment servicing and maintenance, and ensures resources and instrumentation are properly maintained, documented, and readily available for research use.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Analyzes, interprets, and visualizes biological and environmental datasets to support research objectives and scientific findings. Organizes and evaluates data, identifies trends and patterns, and develops graphs, figures, and other visual representations to effectively communicate research results and support ongoing data analysis and reporting.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty

Conducts field-based collection of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, and water quality data at coastal research sites in support of ongoing research projects. Implements established sampling protocols, operates and maintains field equipment, accurately records environmental observations and measurements, and properly collects, labels, preserves, and transports biological and water samples for subsequent laboratory processing and analysis.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty

Rears and maintains coastal invertebrates in a controlled laboratory environment, with particular emphasis on early-life stages, to support ongoing research and experimental activities. Monitors organism health and development, maintains appropriate environmental and culture conditions, follows established husbandry and experimental protocols, and accurately documents observations, growth, survival, and other relevant biological data.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty

Contributes to the development and preparation of grant proposals, conference presentations, scientific reports, and peer-reviewed publications by compiling research information, preparing data and figures, and assisting with written materials. Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and research team to communicate research findings and support scholarly activities, while performing other related duties as assigned to advance laboratory and research objectives.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 5

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

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 11/01/2026

Position End Date 10/31/2027

Job Open Date 10/05/2026

Job Close Date 11/19/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Use of a personal vehicle will be required for this position.

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 November 19, 2026.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.