Scientific Program Coordinator Jobs in Riverview, FL

Department: Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering/0-2105-000

College/Division: College of Engineering/Academic Affairs 

Salary Plan: Temporary

Hourly Wage: $18.68/hr.

FTE: 20 hours per week

Position Summary: 

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of South Florida is hiring a part-time Program Coordinator for the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program in "Science, Technology, Engineering, Program for Upward Partnership (STEP-UP) for Advancing Microelectronics Education and Training". The program will establish a new interdisciplinary training framework for graduate (Masters and PhD) students in Engineering. The program consists of a variety of activities including coursework, workshops, internships, conferences, and collaborations. The primary role of the Program Coordinator will be to support the leadership team (4 Principal Investigators) in the organization, coordination, documentation, and management of the program activities. This position is essential to meeting NSF NRT program requirements and will play a central role in coordinating program activities, trainee support, reporting, and communication among faculty, trainees, and NSF.

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:  

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.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:

4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience with relevance to project management in business or STEM fields. Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, and time management skills. Strong evidence of the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience in collecting data for program assessment and evaluation. Experience in event organization and management. Experience in coordinating internship programs. Experience in collecting and organizing program budgeting data.

This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 ("HB 7017") was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis.  The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence.  With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.  

USF Tampa

Information for Applicants 

This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.

Main duties will include:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement the activities of the program. Examples include: workshops, seminar series, conferences, meetings.
• Work closely with the leadership team, faculty, and students to ensure proper implementation of the program and the progression of the students through the curriculum
• Design and maintain the website and other marketing material for the program
• Tracking and management of data on activities, student participation, budgetary expenses
• Communicate with program participants (students, faculty, industry collaborators, advisory board members) regularly and through diverse media (in person, phone, email)
• Day-to-day coordination of the NSF NRT program
• Supporting NRT trainees and NRT faculty mentors
• Managing program logistics, events, and documentation
• Assisting with NSF reporting and compliance requirements

Job Duties:     

• 50% Develop, coordinate, and implement program activities in collaboration with the leadership team (4 Principal investigators) and other participating faculty.
• 30% Communicate with faculty and students in the program about program activities, requirements for successful completion of the program. This will include communicating also with other units on campus such as the Graduate School, the College of Engineering , registrar, financial aid, etc.
• 20% Collect, maintain, and share program records according to university policies. Ensure that the program remains in compliance (e.g., IRB). Work with Webmaster to program website and other marketing material with relevant information.