Nurse/Researcher

Nurse Researcher

This position contributes nursing expertise to the department to in support of the mission of the USF DEC Diabetes Clinical Research Team. The Nurse Researcher will serve as a lead coordinator for research projects and will provide clinical nursing support to projects led by other clinical research team members within the department. This role includes participation in all aspects of study start-up, regulatory management, direct clinical care and education of research participants and other assigned project administrative duties that may include ensuring accurate billing and facilitating travel and accommodations for research participants. The USF DEC research team works collaboratively with investigators and other team members to support the clinical research of our department. This role will participate in clinical research, departmental, and Office of Clinical Research (OCR) meetings that offer continuing education and support for our research mission. USF provides support and training via the USF Bulls IRB, Sponsored Research, and the USF Research Integrity & Compliance Office.

Evaluate potential research participants with Principal Investigator; schedule and perform screenings and conduct participant consent and randomization into appropriate research studies. Address IRB submission and correspondence requirements. Coordinate and schedule study visits and follow-up. Oversee / perform required procedures for each research visit; complete required data entry per study protocol: maintaining documentation and case report forms. Report Adverse Events according to protocol. Communicate questions, problems, changes to the Principal Investigator. Prepare and submit protocol applications, amendments, annual reviews, Adverse Event reports, and study sponsor communications to IRB as required. Collect, analyze, and perform quality assurance of study data. Monitor overall clinical study to ensure quality control measures are following protocol. Oversee ordering, dispensing and maintenance of supplies and medications for studies. Perform procedures as necessary, including venipuncture, electrocardiograms, quantitative Sensory Testing, glucose/insulin testing, etc. for the study. Coordinate with specialty clinics, coordinating with clinic staff and physicians to evaluate patients that might be considered for research studies. Provides study specific training and guidance in specialty area to patients and delegated research staff. Assist in planning and performing research subject recruitment/screening at appropriate outreach events including camps/walks, symposia and education/support events for patients, families, and care providers. Collects, analyzes, and performs quality assurance of study data. Monitors overall clinical study to ensure that quality control measures are following applicable protocols. Recommend changes in protocols to improve quality of data gathering or overall study. Ensure consistent interpretation and adherence to protocols at all stages of trials by team members. Oversee ordering, dispensing and maintenance of supplies and medications for the research study. Collaborate in development of new research proposals, providing clinical nursing consultation in the development of protocols, research instrument design, coding and analysis, and selection of assessments. Assist in developing proposals for new research projects. Collaborate with clinical research assistants, clinical volunteers, and health professions students as needed. Cover evening and weekend research outreach events. Actively travel to and participate in research study meetings to discuss progress/status of study.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires licensure as a registered nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Chapter 64 B9, Florida Administrative Code. Bachelor's degree in Nursing with two years of nursing research or directly related experience; OR an Associate's degree in Nursing with four years of same experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Master's degree in Nursing is Preferred. Annual certifications may be required to participate in specific studies.

Additional Information for Applicants: This position is Grant-Funded

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship

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.