OPS Research Support Specialist

The Institute for Digital Exploration (IDEx) and Access 3D Lab are seeking a skilled research assistant to join our growing team. IDEx and Access 3D Lab work together to incubate, support, and carry out transformative research in the digital realm. Research priorities include integrating digital technologies into the arts and humanities, K-12 education, history and anthropology, forensics, geomatics, urban planning, and virtual/augmented reality. The ideal candidate will contribute to this research by assisting faculty during research data collection, processing, and dissemination. Responsibilities Works with advanced 3D instruments, including laser scanners, photogrammetry, lidar, and/or 360 cameras Processes scan data in programs such as Reality Capture, Agisoft Metashape, Geomagic Wrap, Artec Studio, Faro Scene, Cloud Compare, ESRI products, Spatial Explorer, Maya, Blender, Zbrush and others Creates precise and accurate registered point clouds, technical reports, workflows, project metadata for our colleagues and clients Trains and consulting with lab users (faculty, students, clients) Assists with lab tours, scanner demos, and public outreach Maintains lab inventory and oversees asset management Publishes engaging social media content for multiple platforms Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in office or administrative support or in research support. College education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. 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. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s public universities. Our 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 with 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. USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is ranked No. 1 in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion and had $738 million in research funding in 2024. 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. Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request should be made at least five (5) working days prior to when the accommodation(s) is needed. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of South Florida