Job Description

Posting Number

RTF00254PO25

USC Market Title

Research Associate

Link to USC Market Title

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156386

Business Title (Internal Title)

Research Associate Second Step

Campus

Columbia

Work County

Richland

College/Division

College of Education

Department

CED Educational & Developmental Science

Advertised Salary Range

Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy

This is a remote position.

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

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 at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. 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


Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The research associate will coordinate communication and scheduling across multiple university and school district partners, organize project meetings and trainings, monitor fidelity of implementation across sites, and maintain detailed project timelines. This position will serve as the central logistical and administrative hub for the project, ensuring the smooth execution and consistency across all sites.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a master's degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in education, psychology, public health, or a related behavioral or social science field. Demonstrated experience coordinating large, multi-site, or federally funded research projects, ideally in educational or school-based settings. Experience managing data collection systems and conducting quantitative data analysis using software such as

SPSS

, Mplus, Qualtrics, or REDCap

. Ability to monitor implementation fidelity and ensure data quality across research sites. Proven success in preparing quantitative research reports, manuscripts, and dissemination materials.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge

Research design and implementation, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multi-site educational studies. Social and communication skill development, bullying prevention, inclusive education, and K-12 school systems. Data collection protocols, human subjects ethics, and IRB compliance. Program fidelity assessment and data management/analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Mplus, Qualtrics, REDCap). Dissemination strategies for federally funded research, including publication and presentation preparation.

Skills

Project management across multiple institutions, with strong organization and attention to detail. Facilitation of meetings, trainings, and advisory board activities. Supervision and mentorship of student research assistants. Clear written and verbal communication, including preparation of reports and manuscripts. Collaboration with diverse partners and proficiency with digital platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace).

Abilities

Manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines in a dynamic research environment. Ensure consistency and fidelity across implementation sites. Exercise independent judgment and problem-solving while supporting team objectives. Work effectively both independently and collaboratively. Represent the project professionally and travel as required for meetings or data collection.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Project Coordination and Management

Coordinate multi-site project activities across partner universities and school districts, ensuring adherence to research protocols, timelines, and deliverables. Collaborate with principal and co-principal investigators to ensure consistent implementation, communication, and reporting across all sites. Maintain project documentation, timelines, and milestone tracking for deliverables and dissemination efforts. Plan, schedule, and lead project meetings, including coordination with advisory board members, project staff, and research partners.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

40

Job Duty

Research Implementation and Oversight

Oversee implementation fidelity by monitoring training, intervention, and data collection activities across school sites. Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants, providing guidance on data collection, classroom observation, and research best practices. Coordinate and conduct classroom observations and other field-based data collection activities in alignment with project research goals.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

25

Job Duty

Communication and Collaboration

Serve as primary liaison between the University of South Carolina research team, collaborating institutions, and partner schools. Facilitate communication among internal and external stakeholders to support smooth project operations and accountability.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Reporting and Dissemination

Assist in preparation of project reports, manuscripts, and dissemination materials, including conference presentations and open-access publications. Support dissemination and outreach efforts, including contributions to the project website, social media updates, and stakeholder communications.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15


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


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

12/01/2025

Position End Date

Job Open Date

11/14/2025

Job Close Date

11/21/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

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 21, 2025

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/197538

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.