Assistant or Associate in Research - PLATYPUS Lab

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University’s PLATYPUS Lab in Tallahassee invites applications for an Assistant or Associate in Research. The role contributes to the design, execution, and dissemination of research, leading complex programs aligned with sponsor requirements and institutional priorities.

The successful candidate will supervise a team of research staff and undergraduates, manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and help develop grant proposals to advance the lab's long-term goals.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in appropriate field of study.
• Five or more years of experience coordinating large-scale research projects with federal and/or private grant funding.
• Experience serving as a project coordinator, research lab manager, or equivalent research management role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex research programs and projects from concept development through study completion.
• Provide expert guidance on research design and methodologies.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators to develop research strategies and allocate resources.
• Oversee research data collection, management, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University regulations.

Skills

Research leadership

Grant writing

Project coordination

Education

Master's Degree in appropriate field of study

Job description

Job Title: Assistant or Associate in Research - PLATYPUS Lab

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 63552

Department: Florida Center for Reading Research

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be expected to contribute substantive expertise to the design, execution, interpretation, and dissemination of research. Lead and oversee complex research programs and projects from concept development through study completion, ensuring alignment with scientific objectives, sponsor requirements, and institutional priorities Provide expert guidance on research design, study methodologies, protocol development, data collection strategies, analytical approaches, and technical execution Collaborate with Principal Investigators and research leadership to develop and implement research strategies, project plans, and operational frameworks that support successful project outcomes; establish timelines and milestones; assess feasibility and define project scope; allocate resources to support project objectives; evaluate and negotiate competing priorities.
• Direct the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of research processes, workflows, infrastructure, and operational procedures Exercise independent judgment in evaluating research approaches, resolving scientific and operational challenges, and recommending modifications to study protocols and project activities Oversee research data collection, management, quality assurance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting activities to ensure scientific integrity and reproducibility of research outcomes.
• Monitor emerging developments, methodologies, technologies, and best practices within relevant research disciplines and recommend opportunities to enhance research capabilities and outcomes Lead governance and stakeholder management by serving as the primary liaison between external organizations, industry partners, researchers and cross-functional teams; direct governance reviews to evaluate project performance, mitigate risks, drive decision-making, and ensure accountability for deliverables Provide guidance and oversight regarding compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University research regulations, policies, and ethical standards, including human subjects, biosafety, data security, and responsible conduct of research requirements, as applicable Manage project budgets and resource plans; monitor expenditures, funding allocations, personnel effort, and financial performance; advise Principal Investigators and leadership regarding financial strategy and resource utilization.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals, funding applications, technical reports, and sponsor deliverables Partner with research leadership to establish strategic priorities, identify new research opportunities, develop collaborative partnerships, and advance the long-term goals of the lab, research programs, centers, and institutes Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a team of Research Assistants and undergraduate students; oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development. Establish performance expectations, monitor workload distribution, evaluate operational effectiveness, and promote an environment of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence Direct the delivery of services across multiple research projects.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in appropriate field of study.

Preferred Qualifications

Five or more years of experience serving as a project coordinator, research lab manager, or in a comparable research management role, with demonstrated experience coordinating multiple large-scale research projects supported by federal and/or private grant funding.

Helpful

The PLATYPUS Lab Manager provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for multiple complex research projects; is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, coordination, and evaluation of research activities and serves as a key adviser on research design, methodology, data strategy, regulatory compliance, and project implementation; collaborates closely with Principal Investigators, faculty researchers, sponsors, lab staff, and institutional leadership to ensure research objectives are achieved while maintaining scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. This position is intended for research professionals possessing advanced knowledge of research principles, methodologies, and practices within a specialized discipline.

Contact Info

Dr. Callie Little

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Starting at $55,000, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Considerations

This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

The anticipated start date for this position will be late October 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.