Graduate Assistant

The University of South Florida is seeking a highly motivated and strategic graduate student to support the development of a comprehensive business plan for the Future of Food Think Tank, an emerging interdisciplinary initiative at USF. This think tank will explore innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions to global food system challenges across agriculture, technology, health, and policy.

This think tank will serve as a hub for innovation, policy dialogue, entrepreneurship, and research at the intersection of food, sustainability, health, climate, and technology. The Graduate Assistant will work closely with business faculty and university stakeholders to craft a scalable, impact-driven plan for launching and sustaining the think tank.

• Conduct market and stakeholder research on global food system challenges and existing food innovation hubs
• Benchmark leading food-related think tanks, incubators, and centers worldwide
• Develop a detailed business plan including mission, vision, goals, strategic pillars, organizational structure, financial model, and funding roadmap
• Identify partnership and revenue opportunities (e.g., industry collaboration, grants, philanthropy, events, executive education)
• Assist in preparing investor- and donor-facing materials, pitch decks, and presentations for university leadership
• Contribute to scenario planning and risk assessments for long-term sustainability
• Support internal and external engagement efforts, including meeting facilitation and summary reports
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty teams

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a USF graduate program, ideally within the Muma College of Business (e.g., MBA, MS in Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, or related field).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest or experience in food innovation, social entrepreneurship, sustainability, or venture strategy.
• Familiarity with startup ecosystems, nonprofit management, or corporate social responsibility.
• Experience creating pitch decks, grant proposals, or marketing materials.
• Ability to synthesize complex ideas and communicate them clearly to varied audiences.

Other Skills:

• Strong skills in business model development, research, writing, and project management.
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, and business communication tools.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and in a diverse, collaborative teams.

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.