OPS Scientific Researcher

Nature of Work: This position collaborates with a principal investigator on a research project and designs and performs a variety of controlled research protocols. A Scientific Researcher plans and oversees experimental protocols within the framework of the research objectives. This protocol design involves both theoretical and practical knowledge of a specialized academic discipline and use of specialized research equipment and software. A Scientific Researcher collects and analyzes data on research projects, and co-authors research reports and publications. Work at this level is distinguished from Sr. Biological Scientists by its significant contribution to both the design of the project and interpretation of the results. Positions at this level design portions of the overall project and participate in final analysis but do not have final authority on the overall project. While this work requires a post-graduate degree in a specific discipline or disciplines and some prior research experience, it does not require a terminal degree or Ph.D. This position may perform a minor amount of administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports, but such duties should not account for more than 20% of the overall work performed by staff assigned to positions in this job class. 

• Makes significant contributions as co-author of research papers, data and technical reports, and   
  presentations to sponsoring agencies.   
• Drafts portions of grant proposals, which may include budget proposals.   
• Designs and constructs laboratory or field instruments and integrates them into theoretical models   
  and research protocols. Trains visiting scientists in equipment use.   
• Plans and initiates research protocols in specialties such as biochemistry, molecular biology, or   
  physiology involving techniques such as mammalian tissue culture, radioisotope labeling,   
  electrophoresis of protein and nucleotide samples, cloning, sequencing and modification of   
  nucleic acids.   
• Collects and identifies plant or animal specimens, curates specimens, and designs ecological or   
  systematic research studies.   
• Trains and supervises post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, technicians   
  and visiting investigators in carrying out laboratory procedures. Composes written training   
  manuals or procedures on equipment.   
• Designs and maintains relational databases. Performs computerized data reduction and analyses   
  including complex statistical computations. Prepares final statistical reports using a computer programs and independently interprets research data. 
• Hires and trains contract and technical staff such as research support specialists or statistical   
  assistants.   
• Collaborates with faculty in writing reports and research findings for publication. May be sole   
  author of some research reports, grant proposals, or publications.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

This position requires a Master’s degree in a natural science related to the specific area of   
research and two years of research experience. Doctoral study in a directly related field may   
substitute for the required experience. There is no substitution of experience allowed for the   
Master’s degree, as that is a mandatory qualification for positions assigned to this job class.  
 

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.

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 ex