Behavioural Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position conducts research activities under the general direction of a faculty member or a Sr. Social and Behavioral Researcher. The position oversees data collection, trains research assistants, communicates with other agencies involved in the project, and analyzes project data. 

Typical duties includes contributing to articles and grant proposals, developing coding systems for data gathering and analysis, training users of instruments or operations, recording procedures, conducting literature reviews, overseeing and conducting the collection and analysis on the project, designing and conducting data gathering such as interviews and surveys. 

This position may require specific computer expertise and may require maintaining information on a web site. This position requires a degree in a specific academic discipline and is distinguished from technical research support by its analysis and recommendation of courses of action. This work must meet the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption. 

This work is oriented primarily toward the gathering and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, rather than performance of direct community or human services, which distinguishes the job from Program Planner/ Analyst. 

The work is distinguished from a Sr. Social and Behavioral Researcher or higher-level researcher since it is not responsible for setting overall research direction nor for final interpretation of project results. This position may perform some administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports. However, work is distinguished from primarily administrative jobs by performing work as an investigator, a scientist, or a research data analyst, rather than preparing and administering budgets, reporting effort, paying expenses, or administering human resources functions.

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 www.usf.edu.

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.  

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.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) 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.

• Collects and analyzes data by designing data collection instruments, conducting survey, and analyzing results.
• Drafts reports to granting agencies. Ensures timeliness of reports to granting agencies and may perform preliminary review of budget reports.
• Drafts publications and training manuals and provides service training to outside agencies as part of grant/contract.
• Participates in the presentation of the project to potential clients or contractors. May participate in presentations at professional meetings.
• Drafts sub-contracts for grant services.
• 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