OPS Scientific Researcher

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collsates 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.

Qualifications

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.

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.