The University of South Florida’s Department of Ophthalmology in Tampa, Florida, is seeking a full-time Clinical Research Assistant. The hiring salary is US$21 to US$26 per hour, and applications are due by Nov 3, 2026. The position is grant-funded and not eligible for visa sponsorship.

A Clinical Research Assistant assists with the conduct of clinical research-related activities, including but not limited to patient recruitment and enrolment, collecting patient information, completing case report forms and data entry. The position typically reports to the Principal Investigator, Clinical Research Manager or Clinical Research Coordinator. It is a pre-entry position for the Clinical Research Coordinator career path and, within its specialised support duties, receives moderate supervision. The role handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff, with assignments that are semi-routine in nature, including collecting and entering data and working with the study coordinator to ensure accuracy and integrity in strict adherence to study protocols. It requires knowledge and experience with basic computer skills and web-based applications.

Responsibilities include assisting with the evaluation of potential research participants alongside the study team, Principal Investigator, Sub-Investigator and/or research team; assisting with screening, enrolment and retention of study participants at the site; scheduling participant site visits and maintaining records; assisting Clinical Research Coordinators and the site study team in recording data on each study participant for each visit according to research protocol; assisting with the implementation of procedures and activities of assigned study protocols; participating in coordinating, preparing and conducting site monitoring visits, audits and inspections; collecting vitals and assisting the study coordinator with patient visits at the site; collecting study specimens according to the protocol, which may include phlebotomy and processing; performing data entry for clinical trials; assisting with site quality assurance and tracking regulatory submissions; and performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications are a High School Diploma or equivalent. Under Senate Bill 1310, 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 two years of direct experience for an associate degree, four years for a bachelor’s degree, six years for a master’s degree, seven years for a professional degree or nine years for a doctoral degree. Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification or registration required for the position as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description. Minimum qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. Ophthalmology photography experience is also noted.

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area, 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 recognised USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. The first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programmes, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

USF 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. It is recognised by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida, and 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, a group that includes only the top 3 per cent of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of US$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, generating an annual economic impact of more than US$6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.

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, and maintains programmes for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process, with a request to be made at least five working days prior to the time the accommodation is needed. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.