About this opportunity
University Of Florida lists this OPS - Community Scientist opportunity in gainesville, Florida. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job no:
Work type: Temp Part-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Grant or Research Administration, Health Care Administration/Support
Department: - LS-HEALTH DISPARITIES
Classification Title:
OPS - Community Scientist
Able to speak, read, and understand English
At least 21 years of age or older
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
All training will be provided. No experience required
Need for Community Scientists to Work As Needed in the UF Health Cancer Institute Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC)
Dr. Carolyn M. Tucker directs and serves as the Principal Investigator for the CDRC. This collaborative consists of 13 churches and their pastors, community and faculty researchers, cancer survivors, undergraduate student interns in a Health Disparities and Health Promotion Research Internship, and health disparities and health promotion research staff. These groups work together to conduct community-based participatory research that will lead to interventions and large grants, with the aim of promoting cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.
The CDRC targets cancer survivors and people at risk for cancer who live in low-income communities in or near East Gainesville, or in rural and/or low-income communities in Alachua County. The CDRC’s goal is to reduce cancer incidence, cancer deaths and cancer disparities that have a disproportionately negative impact on Black, Hispanic and other minoritized groups. The CDRC is supported and funded by the NCI-designated UF Health Cancer Institute.
Position Summary
Community Scientists engage with diverse communities to support recruitment of community members to serve as participants in health disparities- and cancer-related research studies conducted or supported by the CDRC. The ideal candidate is outgoing, articulate, creative, and comfortable initiating conversations with individuals they may not know. This role requires explaining research studies, answering questions, and helping eligible community members understand the benefits of participating in research.
Community Scientists collect data from research participants, including height and weight, and are trained to obtain informed consent from participants. Candidates will complete IRB certification training, in addition to other job training. It would be useful for candidates to have connections within the Gainesville community, such as connections with local churches and community organizations. Although some meetings are virtual, Community Scientists should be able to attend in-person meetings, training sessions, and community events as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Study Involvement
Participant Recruitment and Consent: Recruit participants for health promotion and cancer prevention related research studies, and collaborate with CDRC partner churches
Consent and Screening: Screen potential participants and obtain informed consent from participants involved in CDRC-led research studies
Data Collection: Collect both baseline and post-intervention data from research participants in accordance with study protocols, including participant height and weight
Incentive Distribution: Distribute gift cards to participants after completion of designated study activities
Focus Group Facilitation : Conduct focus groups with select participants to gather qualitative data on group participants when applicable
Meetings and Training
Meetings: Attend monthly CDRC planning meetings and virtual weekly Community Scientist meetings to stay updated on study developments and needs
Training: Participate in approximately four hours of training to learn research tasks, participant interaction protocols, and data collection procedures
Events : Attend CDRC community engagement events throughout the year and distribute flyers at these events
Working Conditions and Expectations
Work Hours: Seasonal, project-based position with up to 15 hours per week based on participant availability and program needs. When no projects are active, no work hours will be available.
Report To: Dr. Carolyn M. Tucker, Director of UF Health Cancer Institute Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative and Ms. Miles Hamilton, CDRC Program Manager
$16 per hour
Required Qualifications:
Able to speak, read, and understand English
At least 21 years of age or older
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
Preferred:
Community-based research experience or interest in conducting health-related research
Ability to communicate effectively with community members from varied backgrounds
Familiarity with the health concerns and needs of underserved communities
Passion for reducing cancer disparities and improving community health
Established connections within diverse Gainesville and Alachua County communities
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity
Has a high school diploma or GED
Because community scientists should be reflective of the community as a whole, current UF students are not preferred for this position
Health Assessment Required:
Health Assessment Required: No
Advertised: 23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 08 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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Worksite address
gainesville, FL, 32635, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.