Research Operations Student Assistant

Research Operations Student Assistant (Finance)

The Florida Center for Cybersecurity seeks a Research Operations Student Assistant, part‑time, to support its expanding sponsored projects and research initiatives. This role ensures effective grant management through budget development, expenditure monitoring, financial reconciliation, and compliance oversight.

Key responsibilities include coordinating with sub‑award recipients, preparing grant proposals, and guiding administrative processes such as invoice review and staff hiring. Unlike Sponsored Research roles, this position does not engage in contract negotiations or sponsor communications. As a grant‑funded role, the Unit Research Administrator plays a vital part in maintaining efficient research administration and compliance with institutional and sponsor regulations.

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at the University of South Florida.
• Demonstrated ability to organize information and maintain accurate records or data.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a structured environment.

• Effective communicator, both verbal and written. Detail‑oriented, the ability to effectively manage time and tasks is imperative. Intermediate‑level experience in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Employment requires signing a nondisclosure agreement and completing a level one background check. Failure to complete the document or requirement will be considered a job offer refusal.

• Environment – Typical indoor environment/office setting.
• Physical Requirements – Climbing, standing, stooping, and/or typing; ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed.

• Assist in designing and implementing a structured publication classification framework to categorize research outputs by funding source, program, and initiative.
• Draft documentation outlining classification criteria, definitions, and internal procedures.
• Review and organize existing publications to ensure accurate attribution and consistency.
• Maintain and update the classification system to ensure continued accuracy and alignment with sponsor requirements.

• Assist in developing and administering a centralized tracking system for research presentations, publications, and related outputs.
• Collect, verify, and enter research output data from faculty, staff, and program leads.
• Ensure data integrity, completeness, and consistency across reporting cycles.
• Generate structured reports to support sponsor reporting, annual reports, and internal performance reviews.

• Assist in drafting and organizing components of the center's research strategy.
• Analyze research output trends to inform strategic priorities and funding alignment.
• Support the development of documentation that connects research activities to institutional and sponsor objectives.

• Provide administrative and analytical support for research operations and compliance initiatives.
• Perform related duties as assigned to strengthen research reporting, documentation, and operational efficiency.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

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.