Research Assistant

Saint Petersburg, FL, United StatesJob Identification 42073 Job Category Research Posting Date 11/10/2025, 06:44 PM Apply Before 11/17/2025, 06:44 PM Degree Level High School Graduate Locations 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701, US Hiring Salary 15.00 Essential Personnel No Job DescriptionThe Research Assistant intern will assist in the processing and analysis of zooplankton samples collected through the FLRACEP-REACH project. This position focuses on quantifying zooplankton community composition and abundance across different depths and mesh sizes, using imaging-based analytical techniques.ResponsibilitiesPosition Responsibilities:The duties include the completion of a preliminary training to learn how to use a PlanktoScope instrument and to follow standardized processing techniques.Process zooplankton samples collected from various gear types, including:Bongo nets (surface oblique tows, >333 µm mesh)Tucker trawls (discrete/horizontal tows, 150 µm mesh)Analyze samples using the PlanktoScope flow-through imaging system to identify and quantify zooplankton.Perform instrument maintenance, including cleaning and calibration between samplesAccurately record metadata, sample IDs, and imaging outputs following standardized data entry protocols.Contribute to data organization and preliminary summaries of community composition and abundance. At the end of each semester the intern should deliver a short report summarizing the work done, including the number of samples analyzed and next steps, if any.QualificationsThis position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of laboratory or research experience. College coursework in a natural or physical science may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree. Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree; (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree; (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.About UsWorking at USFWith 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 USFThe 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 NoticesThis position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment LawsThe 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 OpportunityThe 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.Similar Jobs