Usf Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organizational Summary

The USF Research Foundation, Inc., promotes, encourages, and enhances research activities of University faculty, staff, and students.  Incorporated by the State of Florida, this not-for-profit, direct-support organization provides a means by which discoveries, inventions, processes, and work products of the USF faculty, staff, and students can be transferred from the University laboratory to benefit the public.  Funds generated by such activities are used to enhance research at the University.  The Research Foundation is responsible for receiving and administering all royalties related to intellectual property, and acts as a fiduciary entity on behalf of the licensee and university programs.  The Research Foundation owns and operates the USF Research Park with multiple research and office buildings and a technology incubator.  A Director & CFO and Director of Operations provide vision for and oversight of the Research Foundation and are direct reports to the Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation & Knowledge Enterprise. The Research Foundation has approximately 10 employees and net assets of $69 million.

Position Summary

This position is critical to the efficient and effective operations of the USF Research Park and its facilities. Because of the research work done on site, there are non-standard life safety matters at hand. This position is also critical to the effective management of the operations and maintenance of our approximately 500,000sf of research lab, office and collaborative space in the Research Park spread over 6 buildings owned by the Research Foundation (there are an additional 3 owned by third parties). The scope of responsibility has continued to grow with the addition of the 120,000sf lab and office building for which the core and shell were completed in March 2022.

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

High school diploma or equivalent; and four years of appropriate building maintenance experience; appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Valid Florida Class E operator (driver) license.

Special Skills/Knowledge

Must have knowledge of Siemens BAS system.  Must also be able to perform repairs to the controls system.

Must have knowledge of chiller plant operations.  Must be able to perform repairs to chillers, chilled water pumps, valves and other support equipment.  Must be able to diagnose problems to cooling towers, and associated valves and pumps.

Must be able to diagnose issues with lab air supply and exhaust systems.  Must have knowledge of the BSL-3 support systems, how they operate, and be able to perform emergency repairs on associated equipment.

Additional Information for Applicants

This position requires a Level 1 background check. 

Hiring salary range: $43,888.00-$54,953.60

This position has been designated as Essential Personnel. Essential Personnel may be required to participate in preparedness/response/recovery activities outside of normal work hours, including USF closings, in response to a major emergency or natural disasters affecting USF operations.

Position Responsibilities

Performs regular maintenance and repairs to a multitude of building systems, structures and equipment. Also makes repairs to complex control systems. Rebuilds lab controllers and lab air valves. Monitors all life safety systems. Responds to building emergencies and is subject to on-call rotation.

Performs preventative maintenance & inspections for building areas/systems including but not limited to roof inspections, floor drains and grated, interior and exterior building inspections, perform ADA inspections, automatic and fire door inspections, HVAC. Has training in the operation of complex refrigeration system. Has knowledge of and is responsible for the operation of Central Energy Plant.

Replace/install small machinery such as sump pumps, compressors, etc. Minor Electrical to include resetting breakers, testing for power, etc.  Minor Plumbing to include unclogging drains, sinks, and toilets, turning off water to areas in emergencies.

Performs corrective maintenance and repair functions to parts of building structure, tile installation and repair, patching, carpentry.

Assist Leadership by compiling data for efficiency analysis, future planning, and troubleshooting.  Assist Leadership with institutional/historical knowledge for system design and future planning. Assist leadership to co-ordinate, manage and monitor contractor activities for projects during their planning and implementation. Review building plans and participate in walkthroughs of new construction.

Performs other duties as assigned.