Research Operations Student Assistant

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Publication Classification System Development and Administration

• 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.

Conference and Publication Tracking System

• 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.

Research Strategy Support

• 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.

General Research Operations Support

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

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 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. 

Special Skills and Training

• 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.

Special Requirements

• Employment with the Florida Center for Cybersecurity 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.

Working Conditions: 

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

Acknowledgment:

While the primary job duties and responsibilities have been included, this job description is not designed nor meant to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities. This does not preclude the assignment of additional or developmental duties, special projects, or the scope of the position.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may temporarily or permanently change at any time, with or without notice.