This position reports to the Director or Assistant Director of Research of a grant or project and performs specific phases of the data gathering, analysis and communication on the project. The position actively participates in research study meetings to discuss progress/status of study. The position may gather data for the evaluation duties in preparation for the project. The position then performs project activities such as screening potential project participants for program criteria; communicating the project to potential participants or the general public; serving as part of a data gathering team at a remote site; or assembling and analyzing data on the project.
This position may require specific computer expertise. Work at this level is non-exempt and represents the basic level of analytical contribution to the research. The Sr. Research Support Specialists is distinguished from the Research Support Specialist, as it conducts and documents training for new staff on current protocols for the division and acts as a resource for junior staff. Additionally, conducts patient visits and testing, including preparation of laboratory shipments.
The position may participate in projects and are not responsible for management of projects or final interpretation of results. A position in this class may perform some general administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports, however the work is primarily scientific and analytical.
This position is time limited.
This position requires a Level II Background check.
HIV/STI Testing and Program Operations (50%)
- Perform HIV and STI testing in accordance with clinic protocols appropriate follow-up and notification of results
- Monitor clinic supplies needed to perform testing
Patient Education and Risk Reduction Activities (40%)
- Participate in YYC risk reduction activities by counseling patient, referring patients as appropriate to research studies, contacting clinic navigator regarding needed referrals, and working with Client Services Manager on educational messaging posted throughout the clinic.
Educational Materials Development (5%)
- Assist in the development of educational messaging posted in the clinic
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- certification in Rapid HIV testing, phlebotomy skills
- Spanish speaking
- proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel
- HIV or STI testing experience, community outreach related to HIV prevention
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 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.