Research Specialist

Logo:Posting Number:RTF00192PO25USC Market Title:Research SpecialistLink to USC Market Title:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156397Business Title (Internal Title):Research SpecialistCampus:ColumbiaWork County:RichlandCollege/Division:College of Arts and SciencesDepartment:CAS PsychologyAdvertised Salary Range:$34,532Location of Vacancy:Columbia, SCPart/Full Time:Full TimeHours per Week:37.5Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.Type of Staff Position:Staff Research Grant (SRGP)Basis :12 monthsJob Search Category:Other ProfessionalAbout 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.South Carolina Retirement:YesState Insurance Programs:YesAnnual Leave:YesSick Leave:YesAdvertised Job Summary:The Research Specialist will:Conduct and oversee complex behavioral and physiological data collection with infants, toddlers, and caregivers, primarily in participants’ homes. This includes training undergraduate students in data collection procedures, ensuring accurate and organized data storage, and managing participant scheduling and retention.Oversee research processes, maintain and manage a large research database, and provide training in data entry.Involve advising the principal investigator and research team on techniques and procedures, ensuring lab efficiency, and offering operational guidance for day-to-day activities of research staff and student workers.Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a relevant research specialty.Experience interacting with infants or children, OR experience in a research setting.Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students.Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.Demonstrated interest and effectiveness in working with young children and their families.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:Foundational knowledge of research methods.Communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students, as well as communicate sensitively and effectively with the families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.This individual must also be interested and effective in working with young children and their families.Job Duty:Data Collection: Administer behavioral and physiological assessments with infants, toddlers, and caregivers in home settings, ensuring protocols are followed to maintain consistency and data integrity across diverse environments.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:40Job Duty:Data Management: Monitor real-time data collection for errors or inconsistencies, and implement quality control procedures to verify the accuracy of recorded data, including physiological signals, behavioral observations, and caregiver responses. Maintaining data infrastructure (e.g., REDCap), ensuring data integrity, and handling data transfers.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20Job Duty:Coordinate Communication and Scheduling: Serve as a liaison between clinical partners, research staff, and the principal investigator to facilitate seamless communication and scheduling. Organize and maintain a dynamic calendar of participant visits, including initial assessments, follow-ups, and home-based data collection sessions. Ensure scheduling accommodates family availability, staff coverage, and study protocol requirements.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20Job Duty:Support & Development: Assist with onboarding and hiring of new study staff; contribute to team meetings and collaborative planning.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:15Job Duty:Regulatory & Compliance Support: Co-Manage IRB Submissions and oversee the secure storage and organization of signed informed consent and assent forms, ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines for confidentiality and data protection.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:5Hazardous weather category:Non-EssentialEmployees 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.:NoNumber of Vacancies:1Desired Start Date:10/15/2025Position End Date :04/30/2027Job Open Date:08/28/2025Job Close Date:12/19/2025Open Until Filled:NoSpecial Instructions to Applicant:This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. 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 December 19, 2025Quicklink for Posting:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/194074EEO 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.