Nurse Researcher

This position typically reports to a physician faculty member that serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research project or on rare occasions to an appropriate program administrator within the department. As the Study Coordinator for a research project, the Nurse Researcher oversees patient-related study activities, research regulatory compliance, data gathering and management according to Federal requirements, and ensures safe collection and preparation of blood and body fluids, including transportation of same.

Most studies are grant funded, although a few are state, local and privately funded. Others are funded by pharmaceutical companies, including cancer-focused clinical trials and oncology-related research studies.

Grant-funded projects involving human subjects require compliance with numerous stringent Federal, State, university, and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations, for which this position must know, interpret, comply, and prepare reports. Work at this level meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since the primary duties require advanced knowledge which is predominantly intellectual in character and require the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.

Nurse Researchers differ from non-exempt nursing or research support staff in that the incumbents in these positions develop techniques and oversee clinical data gathering, establish quality control standards, develop educational materials, and serve as liaisons with regulatory agencies. The Principal Investigator sets the overall project direction and has responsibility for final interpretation of project results, but this position serves as a right-hand to the PI and provides input into the process.

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 and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. 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 $750 million in research funding in 2025 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 nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

• Evaluates potential research participants with Principal Investigator; schedules screening evaluations; explains consent process; performs required screening evaluations; randomizes participants into appropriate research study, including cancer care and oncology research protocols.
• Coordinates and schedules study visits and follow-ups. Oversees or performs required procedures for each visit.
• Records data on each study participant for each visit according to research protocol, maintaining complete study progress notes and case report form for each visit.
• Reports any Adverse Events according to protocol. Communicates questions, problems, changes to the Principal Investigator, including adverse events related to cancer treatments or investigational therapies.
• Prepares and submits protocol applications, amendments, annual reviews, Adverse Event reports, and study sponsor communications to IRB as required.
• Participates in specialty clinic, coordinating with clinic staff and physicians to evaluate patients that might be considered for research studies. Provides training and guidance in specialty area to patients and staff, including oncology and cancer specialty clinics.
• Collects, analyzes, and performs quality assurance of study data. Monitors overall clinical study to insure that quality control measures are in compliance with protocol.
• Actively participates in research study meetings to discuss progress/status of study. Ensures consistent interpretation and adherence to protocols at all stages of trials by team members. Recommends changes in protocols to improve quality of data gathering or overall study.
• Ensures that Monthly, quarterly, annual and end of grant reports are completed and submitted to regulatory and granting agencies as required.
• Oversees the ordering, dispensing and maintenance of supplies and medications for the research study.
• Performs procedures as necessary, such as venipuncture, electrocardiograms, quantitative Sensory Testing, insulin testing, etc. for the study.
• Collaborates in development of new research grants, providing clinical nursing consultation in the development of protocols, research instrument design, coding and analysis, and selection of assessments. Assists in developing proposals for new research projects.
• May serve as an advocate for a specific population by participation in community fairs, programs, committees; state and national committees, programs and conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• This position requires licensure as a registered nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Chapter 64 B9, Florida Administrative Code.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with two years of nursing research or directly related experience; OR an Associate’s degree in Nursing with four years of same experience

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Nursing. Annual certifications may be required to participate in specific studies, including oncology or cancer-related clinical research.

• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate 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.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310