<p>To navigate through this form, please use the "Prev" and "Save & Continue" buttons at the top of the page. Do not use your browser's "Back" button as it will not save your progress and data will be lost.</p> <p>Posting Summary</p> <p>Logo For Posting Posting Number RTF00173PO25 USC Market Title Post Doctoral Fellow Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156387 Business Title (Internal Title) Postdoctoral Fellow Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS Physics and Astronomy Advertised Salary Range Salary commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule</p> <p>Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm</p> <p>Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.</p> <p>Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Post-doctoral</p> <p>About USC</p> <p>About University of South Carolina</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Inclusive Excellence Statement</p> <p>At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.</p> <p>Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below</p> <p>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.</p> <p>South Carolina Retirement Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes</p> <p>Position Description</p> <p>Advertised Job Summary</p> <p>Under the general supervision of Dr. Mehrnoosh Tahani, the employee will conduct research as part of the Dragonfly Polarimetry project team, focusing on scientific analysis of polarimetric data and data pipeline modification to advance our understanding of interstellar magnetism and related phenomena. The state of the project is moving forward rapidly, and some duties may be adjusted slightly.</p> <p>Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in area of research specialty. </li></ul> <p>Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Experience with polarimetric observations or instrumentation, background in interstellar medium studies, cosmic magnetism, or related fields. </li><li>Familiarity with optical instrumentation calibration. </li><li>Experience with astronomical data pipelines and/or their development. </li></ul> <p>Knowledge/Skills/Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Expertise in optical observations and data analysis, strong programming skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. </li></ul> <p>Job Duties</p> <p>Job Duty</p> <p>Conduct on-sky observations using the Dragonfly Polarimetry system, perform optical calibration routines, and implement testing procedures to ensure optimal performance and data quality of the polarimetric observations.</p> <p>Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty</p> <p>Perform initial on-sky calibration and study of the telescope design and data.</p> <p>Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty</p> <p>Prepare the initial target data release publication documenting the Dragonfly Polarimetry system capabilities and preliminary results, while pursuing scientific investigations aligned with their area of astrophysical expertise and interest using the unique polarimetric dataset.</p> <p>Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty</p> <p>Author scientific publications, present results at conferences, and collaborate with team members and external researchers to disseminate findings and advance the field of astronomical polarimetry.</p> <p>Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20</p> <p>Position Attributes</p> <p>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</p> <p>Posting Detail Information</p> <p>Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date Job Open Date 08/11/2025 Job Close Date 09/25/2025 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant</p> <p>Applications must include: (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement, and (4) the names and email addresses of at least 3 references. Please have references email letters (on letterhead and signed) to Dr. Mehrnoosh Tahani at MTAHANI@mailbox.sc.edu. Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Dr. Tahani at MTAHANI@mailbox.sc.edu.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>We are only accepting applications submitted by September 25, 2025.</p> <p>Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/192757 EEO Statement</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Supplemental Questions</p> <p>Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).</p> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Do you have at least a Doctoral (Ph.D.) in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related discipline at the time of the appointment? </li></ul> </li><li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>Applicant Documents</p> <p>Required Documents</p> <ul> <li>Cover Letter </li><li>Curriculum Vitae </li><li>Other Supporting Documents </li><li>List of References and Contact Information </li><li>Research Statement </li></ul> <p>Optional Documents</p>