OPS - Social & Behavioral Researcher

Job Description

The Currier Thomas Neurotrauma Laboratory at the University of South Florida is seeking highly organized, adaptable, and motivated Social and Behavioral Researcher to support both laboratory operations and active neuroscience research projects. A Social and Behavioral Researcher serves as a professional individual contributor on one or more research projects, with expertise in the application of specific knowledge involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

This position conducts and analyses research in a specialty such as healthcare, public health, education, behavioral science, mental health, or social science.

The positions will play a central role in maintaining laboratory efficiency, coordinating research activities, supporting experimental workflows, and assisting with molecular, histological, behavioral, and electrochemical studies. Responsibilities will vary based on ongoing projects and laboratory needs, requiring flexibility, initiative, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn diverse techniques. A minimum two-year commitment is highly preferred due to the extensive training involved.

This role is ideal for candidates interested in gaining experience in translational neuroscience research while contributing to a fast-paced, high-accountability team environment.

This position is Time-Limited. This position is Grant-Funded. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical proficiency in molecular, electrochemical, and microscopy procedures
• Assist with rodent handling, behavioral testing, surgical support, and post-operative monitoring
• Prepare reagents, materials, and experimental setups
• Coordinate laboratory inventory, ordering, and supply management
• Maintain organization of shared laboratory spaces, equipment, and records
• Assist with scheduling, meeting coordination, and project tracking
• Organize shared data systems, sample tracking, data entry and laboratory documentation
• Conducts formative and summative evaluation of programs.
• Oversees screening protocols, ensuring quality control and collecting data for research studies.
• May oversee remote data gathering locations and train assistants who gather project data.
• Acts as performance consultant to subcontractors or health departments to produce model quality programs
• Develops training manuals and provides training services.
• Develops website to disseminate project information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a field directly related to 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with Microsoft Office, data organization, or scientific software

Interest in translational neuroscience, medicine, or research administration

Be highly dependable, proactive, self-motivated, and capable of independent problem solving

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Extremely organized and detail-oriented

Be comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously

Demonstrate strong attention to detail and follow-through

Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment

Be willing to continuously learn and adapt

Maintain professionalism, adaptability, and scientific rigor under pressure

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.

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