OPS Social Science Research Assistant

OPS Social Science Research Assistant

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 ( 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 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

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.