Research Support Specialist/Med Research Student

Medical Student Research Fellowship

This position is open to medical students who have completed at least two years of medical school and can dedicate a year to research (as part of their medical school program between MS3 and MS4 years). The Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery Medical Student Research Fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF), Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM), is a one-year, mentored research position offered annually to one qualified medical student pursuing a dermatology residency.

This position is time limited.

Responsibilities

• Participate in onboarding and complete required training in ethical research conduct and data management
• Collaborate with assigned faculty mentor within the department
• Work with research staff to develop and execute a year-long plan for clinical research projects and reporting
• Contribute to the design, coordination, and implementation of clinical research studies
• Submit progress reports on a quarterly basis, including a mid-term and final report
• Participate in clinical observation activities as directed and attend departmental educational sessions (e.g., Grand Rounds, journal clubs, professional society meetings)
• Assist with preparation of research materials, including abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations

Position Expectations and Outcomes:

• Contribute to the completion of approximately 510 clinical research projects and support submission for conference presentation and/or publication
• Participate in additional ongoing research initiatives, contributing to both individual and team-based projects
• Support development of reproducible, high-quality research in a collaborative environment
• Deliver presentations during departmental meetings to enhance communication and presentation skills
• Submit at least one abstract to USF Health Research Day
• Present a summary of research activities and key findings at the conclusion of the appointment

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Current enrollment in an accredited medical school program Expected to be entering or completing the third year of medical school Applicants must have demonstrated a career interest in dermatology.

Required Documents/Materials: Step 1 report Medical school transcript Current CV in MCOM format Letter of good standing from home medical school One faculty letter of recommendation from home medical school Letter of Intent (maximum one page) describing your career goals, research interests, and motivation for applying Short proposal (?200 words) for a potential research project of interest (feasibility to be assessed at fellowship start)

Preferred Qualifications: Prior research experience (academic or clinical)

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.

University of South Florida