Cancer Research Assistant Jobs in Spring Hill, FL

The incumbent serves as a junior-level faculty member in cancer epidemiology research. As a ranked professorial faculty position at USF, the incumbent will have teaching, scholarship, and service responsibilities. In addition, the incumbent will serve as a researcher in the Cancer Control, Prevention, and Epidemiology Program at the TGH Cancer Institute, collaborating with faculty in USF Health on translational and population-based cancer research. The incumbent will report directly to the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology who will meet annually with the incumbent to discuss the specific assignment for the upcoming assignment year and to review performance during the previous year. The Director of the Cancer Control, Prevention and Epidemiology Program, will provide day-to-day supervision and direction of the TGH related activities and provide input into the incumbent's annual assignment and evaluation. Incumbent is expected to obtain extramural funding to cover a minimum of 40% of annual base salary plus benefits costs beginning the fourth year of employment. 

Documents to be uploaded with the application include a letter of application addressing the advertised minimum and preferred qualifications for the position to which applying, a CV, and a list of three references. Review of applications will not begin until all required documents are uploaded into Careers. References will not be contacted without notifying applicants in advance.

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.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications:

Record of scholarly productivity in cancer epidemiology, including peer-reviewed publications related to cancer etiology, prevention, early detection, treatment outcomes, survivorship, health equity or cancer-related public health genomics. 

Strong potential for extramural funding in the areas referenced above, as evidenced by participation in funded projects and/or competitive grant applications.

Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, including a clearly defined teaching philosophy and experience in instruction of undergraduate students or equivalent trainees with the potential to instruct and mentor graduate students.

Evidence of engagement in academic and/or public health service at the institutional, professional, or community level.

Record of collegiality in their university or organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current extramural funded research.

Record of successfully working in multidisciplinary cancer related research teams or institutional programs that include cancer center, medical center, or medical system engagement, analogous to the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF Health, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

Classroom and/or online teaching experience as an epidemiologist at the graduate level, particularly in cancer epidemiology or related public health topics.

Record of applied innovative teaching approaches in academic and/or practice-based settings.

Active participation in professional or scientific organizations related to epidemiology, cancer research, or public health.

Research program that aligns with the strategic priorities of the Department of Epidemiology of the USF College of Public Health and the TGH Cancer Institute.

Instructional Duties: 30% FTE

Teach courses in cancer epidemiology and/or epidemiologic methods at the master's or doctoral levels. Advise graduate students; chair and serve on master's and doctoral student committees. If interests and expertise allow, contribute to undergraduate teaching and research mentorship. This will involve teaching or co-teaching three courses per year. Extramural research support can replace one or two courses, if research time is required to meet the extramural commitments.

Research/Scholarship Duties: 60% FTE

Establish and maintain an externally funded research program in cancer epidemiology, focused on areas such as cancer etiology, prevention, early detection, treatment outcomes, survivorship or health equity using molecular, clinical, behavioral, environmental, or policy-relevant approaches. Secure competitive funding to support research activities and meet the required salary support by the start of the fourth year of employment. Collaborate across departments and institutions on interdisciplinary initiatives.

Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences. Mentor graduate students and represent the department in college- and university-level strategic planning related to cancer prevention and public health.

Service Duties: 10% FTE 

Engage in service activities at the departmental, college, university, and professional levels. This includes participation in faculty governance, committees, and special initiatives, as well as involvement in professional organizations and scientific review activities. Contribute to community and public health service efforts by applying professional expertise to local, regional, or national initiatives that align with the department's mission and the field of cancer epidemiology. 

Administrative Duties: 0% FTE

(Restricted to individuals with formal College-wide administrative appointments by the Dean. Direct administrative effort related to specific course/program/concentration should be reflected in the Instruction category, Other Instructional Related. Direct administrative effort related to a specific research project should be reflected in the Research category. Center Directors should be reflected in College or Sponsored Research depending upon the funding source.)                                                                                                                                                                         

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

The creation, dissemination and translation of knowledge through collaborative research; teaching and advising graduate students; and active engagement in professional and community service.