Clinical Research Associate

This position is primarily assigned to the USF St. Petersburg campus but is expected to also work at other regional locations including but not limited to Sarasota and Tampa, FL. This position will assist with large randomized clinical trials and will perform job duties including, but not limited to, administering computerized brain training exercises to older adults, maintaining communication to monitor participant progress in their training exercises, as well as recruitment and retention efforts. This position supports the lab of Dr. Jennifer O’Brien.

This is a Grant-Funded Position. This position is eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

• Collects, analyzes, and enters data for clinical trials and ensures quality control. Administers study interventions according to the study protocol. Establishes rapport with study participants and maintains contact with participants enrolled in the study. Facilitates, supports, and motivates older adult study participants during their study participation. Communicates by email and phone with study participants to ensure adherence to intervention. This position will work mainly at the USF St. Petersburg campus but is expected work at other data collection sites located in Sarasota, Lakeland, and Tampa regularly. Participates in weekly lab meetings.

• Implements study participant recruiting and screening protocols, collects data for research studies. Meets recruitment and enrollment goals. Determines if older adult participants meet study eligibility requirements. Obtains informed consent from older adult study participants. Devotes at least 9 hours weekly to telephone recruitment and interviewing. Completes data forms with high accuracy and attention to detail. Travels to and attends community events to assist with recruitment and facilitate meeting enrollment goals including diversity goals.

• Ensures that documents such as eligibility forms and informed consent are appropriately gathered and maintained, and IRB-, Good Clinical Practice-, and HIPAA regulations are followed. Trains any assistants and volunteers who gather and enter data. Uses REDCap, MS Access, and SPSS databases to enter and summarize study data. Composes and disseminates information on studies to study participants and the general public. Monitors compliance of study procedures with federal, state and university regulations. Work with minimal supervision, plans, organizes, and coordinates multiple work assignments and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others. Effectively and professionally communicates sensitive information and maintains confidentiality.

• Work with minimal supervision, plans, organizes, and coordinates multiple work assignments and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others. Effectively and professionally communicates sensitive information and maintains confidentiality.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a field directly related to the program responsibilities and one year of professional experience; or Master’s degree in an area of specialization appropriate for the program.

• 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.
  

Preferred Qualifications : Detail-oriented; Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English; Prior research experience; Experience using Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook and internet browsers. REDCap experience; Excellent communication skills.

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.