OPS Social Science Research Assistant

Job Description

The Department of Sociology has four academic degree programs: B.A. in Sociology; B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (ISS), M.A. in Sociology; and Ph.D. in Sociology. Through these programs, we prepare students to succeed in an increasingly diverse world that demands skills in communication, leadership, problem solving, critical and analytical reasoning, methodological thinking, statistical analysis, and multicultural and global understanding. These skill sets align exceedingly well with the skills that 21st century employers value and seek.

The OPS Social Science Research Assistant will work 20 hours a week for $26/hour. This is a temporary position that is funded by non-recurring funds and renewal is contingent upon the continuation of those funds. A Social Science Research Assistant serves as an individual contributor on one or more research projects, with expertise in the application of specific knowledge involving the collection, analysis and/or interpretation of data.

This position aids faculty or Sr. Social and Behavioral Researchers with projects requiring knowledge and experience in one or more of the following academic disciplines: sociology, psychology, political science, economics, geography, anthropology, archeology, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and maintains research data in databases or systems developed by project leadership
• Applies qualitative and/or quantitative coding methodologies to analyze research data
• Synthesizes and interprets data findings in alignment with defined research objectives
• Conducts literature reviews to support project development and analysis
• Assists in the preparation of research documentation, including reports, manuscripts, and grant materials
• Organizes and maintains archival and source materials related to research activities
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as necessary to support project coordination
• Prepares periodic progress reports summarizing assigned work

Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the research or data analysis responsibilities and a minimum of one year of research experience; or a Master's degree in one of the same fields. Four years of progressively responsible work experience in a field directly related to the research may substitute for the Bachelor's degree.

Degree Equivalency Clause:
Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.

• Senate Bill 1310
- The Florida Senate (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) 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.

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…