Research Support Specialist

Organizational Unit:

The USF Health College of Nursing is one of 14 colleges at the University of South Florida and one of four that make up USF Health. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, USF is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community-Engaged institution—reflecting its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service.

Nationally recognized as a leader in nursing education and research, the College of Nursing serves more than 2,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. For the fourth consecutive year, our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities by U.S. News & World Report—rising to No. 23 in the nation in 2025. 

As an integral part of USF Health, the College of Nursing is guided by a mission grounded in excellence, innovation, and respect. We are dedicated to educating future nurses, advancing nursing science, and applying evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes and community well-being.

Position: 

The Sleep Research Lab in the Department of Nursing at the University of South Florida is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support multiple behavioral sleep medicine studies. This position involves direct interaction with research participants and hands-on collection of cognitive, physiological, and biological data related to sleep and stress.

The primary responsibility of the Research Assistant is to conduct standardized cognitive assessments and physiological assessments related to sleep and stress with research participants. The role includes collecting data in both laboratory and community-based settings, including traveling to participants’ homes as required (less than 90 miles and mileage is compensated). The Research Assistant will assist with participant scheduling, communication, and follow-up, as well as data entry, management, and data analysis. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate and organized study records in compliance with IRB and study protocols, supporting general laboratory operations, and collaborating closely with investigators and research staff. The Research Assistant must be willing to complete phlebotomy training and assist with blood sample collection as part of study procedures.

Minimum Qualifications: 

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in office or administrative support or in research support. College education may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

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:

 A bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, nursing, or a related field is preferred. Prior experience with research studies, participant engagement, outreach, or customer-facing roles is beneficial but not required. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is a willingness to travel locally and work with participants in home-based settings.

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 depen