Postdoctoral Fellow

Posting Information

Posting Number: RTF
00239PO25

USC Market

Title:

Post Doctoral Fellow

Business Title (Internal Title): Postdoctoral Fellow

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: CAS Physics and Astronomy

Salary: commensurate with qualifications

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule: Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm. 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: Post-doctoral

Under limited supervision, the Postdoctoral Researcher supports high-pressure physics research by developing and operating advanced instrumentation and conducting synchrotron-based X‑ray experiments. The position advances understanding of materials under extreme conditions and contributes to the department’s research mission. The primary goal is to produce high‑quality experimental data, publications, and mentorship that strengthen the university’s scientific output and student training. Duties will include assisting with the 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 experimental data, preparing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research findings at conferences; and mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing.

• Assist with the setup, calibration, and optimization of high-pressure instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Support the installation and setup of high-pressure, cryogenic, and optical instrumentation for research in high-pressure physics. Develop and optimize control and operation of these instruments to ensure accurate data collection under extreme conditions.
• Design and conduct synchrotron-based X‑ray diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at national user facilities to investigate structural and electronic properties of materials. Plan and prepare synchrotron beamtime proposals; conduct experiments under extreme conditions (high pressure and cryogenic temperatures).
• Analyze experimental data, prepare scientific manuscripts, and present research findings at conferences or workshops. Use scientific software packages to analyze complex data.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in experimental research, data analysis, and manuscript writing. Guide students through laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and best practices; help them process and interpret data; provide structured feedback on manuscript writing and support effective scientific communication.

• Minimum
  
  Education and Experience:
  
  Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty.
• Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • 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.

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 at wenlibi
.

Inquiries about this position may be directed to Professor Bi at wenlibi
. We are only accepting applications submitted by March 31, 2026.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five business days; after that, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary. Should your qualifications be selected for further consideration, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Number of vacancies:
1. 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 (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.