Temporary Research Support Assistant

University of South Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Surgery at the University of South Florida is seeking an entry-level professional to support coordination and administration of grant- and contract-funded clinical trials. You will assist with regulatory, financial, and data management tasks under guidance of experienced staff and principal investigators in an on-site role.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and 1 year of experience, with education substituted for experience where applicable.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of experience.
• Higher education may substitute for the experience.
• SB 1310 substitution provisions apply to education/experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, organize, and maintain regulatory documentation and essential study records for grant- and contract-funded clinical trials.
• Assist with tracking research budgets, expenditures, and funding requirements for accurate financial documentation.
• Support compliance with approved study protocols, regulatory requirements, and sponsor guidelines.
• Assist with collecting, entering, reviewing, and maintaining accurate clinical research data in designated databases and electronic data management systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Regulatory docs

Grant funding

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Surgery within the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated entry-level professional to support the coordination and administration of clinical trials funded through grants and contracts. Under the guidance of experienced research staff and principal investigators, this position assists with the administrative, regulatory, financial, and technical aspects of clinical research operations.

The is a Grant-funded position. This is an on site role, Monday - Friday. This position is not eligible for Visa for Visa Sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, organize, and maintain regulatory documentation and essential study records for grant- and contract-funded clinical trials.
• Assist with tracking research budgets, expenditures, and funding requirements to support accurate financial documentation and reporting.
• Support compliance with approved study protocols, institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and sponsor guidelines.
• Assist with collecting, entering, reviewing, and maintaining accurate clinical research data in designated databases and electronic data management systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Requires High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of experience. Higher education may substitute for the experience.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.

• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree

Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.

Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate is highly organized, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and is eager to contribute to the successful execution of clinical trials while gaining valuable experience in clinical research operations.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.