Postdoctoral Fellow

Overview

Postdoctoral Fellow position in high‑pressure physics research. The Postdoctoral Researcher supports high‑pressure physics research by developing and operating advanced instrumentation and conducting synchrotron‑based X‑ray experiments. The primary goal is to produce high‑quality experimental data, publications, and mentorship that strengthen the university’s scientific output and student training.

Work will involve setup, calibration, and optimization of high‑pressure instrumentation and laboratory equipment, designing and conducting synchrotron‑based X‑ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities, analyzing data, preparing manuscripts, and presenting findings at conferences, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing.

• Assisting with the setup, calibration, and optimization of high‑pressure instrumentation and laboratory equipment, supporting the installation and setup of high‑pressure, cryogenic, and optical instrumentation for research in high‑pressure physics; developing and optimizing control and operation to ensure accurate data collection under extreme conditions.
• Designing and conducting synchrotron‑based X‑ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities, including planning beamtime proposals and conducting experiments under extreme conditions.
• Analyzing experimental data, preparing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research findings at conferences; using scientific software and preparing publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing; providing feedback on manuscript writing and helping students communicate their research.

• Job Related Minimum Required
  
  Education And Experience:
  
  Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
• Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field.

• Strong background in high‑pressure physics (especially diamond anvil cells) and synchrotron X‑ray techniques at national user facilities.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to contribute to laboratory setup and instrumentation development.

• Hours Per Week: 37.5
• Work Schedule: Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm; must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet department needs.
• Type Of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
• Basis: 12 months
• Open Date: 10/31/2025
• Close Date: 03/31/2026

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, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Special Instructions To Applicant: Applicants must provide (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a list of publications, (3) a research statement, and (4) at least three references, including contact information. Please arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation (signed and on letterhead) emailed to Professor Wenli Bi uiries about this position may be directed to Professor Bi itions are advertised for a minimum of five business days on the job website;

review of qualifications may proceed after this period. We are only accepting applications submitted by March 31, 2026. Quicklink: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./196901