Research Assistant Programmer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida is seeking an undergraduate OPS Student Research Assistant to support the project "Game-Based Transportation Safety Education for K-12 Students: A Web-Based Prototype."
The project aims to develop an interactive, web-based transportation safety learning game prototype for K-12 students. The platform will include four age-based learning modules-K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12-and will use visual scenes, interactive questions, scenario-based decision-making, immediate feedback, points, badges, and other game-based learning features.
Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the student will primarily support the technical development, user-interface design, prototyping, testing, and documentation of the web-based learning platform.
 

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

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida.
• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Instructional Technology, or a related field.
• Basic experience with web-development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Ability to develop or modify basic interactive webpages.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new technical tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under faculty supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more front-end frameworks or libraries, such as React, Next.js, Vue, or similar tools.
• Experience creating interactive prototypes with tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Canva, or comparable software.
• Experience with game development, educational technology, mobile application development, or interactive media.
• Familiarity with Git, GitHub, or another version-control platform.
• Familiarity with accessibility considerations for web-based learning materials.
• Experience with animations, drag-and-drop functions, audio integration, score tracking, or progress indicators.
• Interest in transportation safety, educational games, K-12 learning, public safety, or community outreach.

1. Expected Deliverables
2. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the student will contribute to:
3. A functional prototype structure for the web-based transportation safety learning game.
4. Prototype screens for the home page, age-group selection, module navigation, game activities, feedback, and completion.
5. Sample interactive activities representing the four K-12 age groups.
6. Basic game functions, including points, feedback, progress, badges, or rewards.
7. Organized visual and technical project assets.
8. Technical documentation describing the prototype architecture, development tools, and recommendations for future expansion.

Applicants should submit:

• A current resume.
• A brief statement describing their interest in the position and relevant technical experience.
• Links to a GitHub profile, online portfolio, website, application, prototype, or other relevant project samples, when available.
• Current academic major and anticipated graduation date.

The OPS Student Research Assistant will:

• Assist with developing the overall structure of the web-based transportation safety education prototype.
• Create responsive prototype webpages, clickable mockups, or lightweight web-based demonstration pages.
• Develop age-group selection pages, module navigation, scenario selection screens, interactive question pages, feedback screens, and completion screens.
• Implement basic game-based features such as points, progress indicators, badges, rewards, and immediate answer feedback.
• Support different interaction formats, including multiple-choice questions, picture-based selections, "spot-the-danger" activities, route-selection activities, checklists, and simple drag-and-drop interactions.
• Organize and integrate visual assets, including icons, illustrations, roadway scenes, characters, transportation modes, and interface elements.
• Conduct functional testing and troubleshoot issues related to navigation, screen display, user interaction, and browser compatibility.
• Document the prototype structure, software tools, source code, technical decisions, and recommended next steps for future development.
• Assist with preparing prototype demonstrations, screenshots, presentation materials, and technical content for the final project report.