In compliance with Florida Statute 1010.35, all candidates for researcher and research support positions must undergo additional screening. This process is managed jointly by UF Human Resources (UFHR) and UF Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (RISC).
These positions include individuals engaged in research-related activities at UF, such as:
- Conducting research
- Creating research materials
- Receiving research training
- Managing research data
- Controlling access to sensitive data
These roles are not determined by the source of funding and may include scholarly activities.
Temporary or OPS positions performing research-related duties (except OPS students) also require screening and are generally categorized as OPS-Sponsored Project Non-Clerical.
View a complete list of current researcher and research support positions relevant to this statute.
Not sure if screening is required? If your position involves research but is not listed, consult Talent Acquisition & Onboarding at talent@hr.ufl.edu.
Screening Process Overview
View this process as a flowchart
Step 1: Job Requisition and Posting
- The hiring department initiates and submits a job requisition in PageUp.
- Core HR reviews and approves the requisition or posting.
Step 2: Candidate Application and Selection
- Candidates apply to the posted position.
- The hiring department reviews applications, assesses candidates, and identifies a finalist.
Step 3: Clearance Request for Researcher Hire
- Once a finalist is identified, the department updates their status to Request Clearance for Researcher Hire in PageUp.
- This triggers an email to the candidate with instructions for completing the Research Screening Questionnaire.
Step 4: Candidate Completes the Research Screening Questionnaire
- The finalist completes and submits the questionnaire.
- Once submitted, their status automatically updates to “Researcher Hire Under Core HR Review.”
Step 5: Review and Determination
- Core HR reviews the submitted questionnaire.
- If necessary, the form is forwarded for foreign influence screening by UF Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (RISC).
Step 6: Clearance for Offer
- Final determination is made by Talent Acquisition & Onboarding (TAO) or RISC.
- If the candidate passes the review, their status is updated to “Clear for Offer – Researcher/Research Support.”
Step 7: Extending the Offer
- Once cleared, the hiring department may extend the offer to the finalist and proceed with the hiring process.
View this process as a flowchart
Step 1: Job Requisition and Posting
- The hiring department initiates and submits a job requisition in PageUp.
- Core HR reviews and approves the requisition or posting.
Step 2: Candidate Application and Selection
- Candidates apply to the posted position.
- The hiring department reviews applications, assesses candidates, and identifies a finalist.
Step 3: Clearance Request for Researcher Hire
- Once a finalist is identified, the department updates their status to Request Clearance for Researcher Hire in PageUp.
- This triggers an email to the candidate with instructions for completing the Research Screening Questionnaire.
Step 4: Candidate Completes the Research Screening Questionnaire
- The finalist completes and submits the questionnaire.
- Once submitted, their status automatically updates to “Researcher Hire Under Core HR Review.”
Step 5: Review and Determination
- Core HR reviews the submitted questionnaire.
- If necessary, the form is forwarded for foreign influence screening by UF Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (RISC).
Step 6: Clearance for Offer
- Talent Acquisition & Onboarding (TA&O) conducts the final clearance and updates the applicant’s status to “Clear for Offer.”
Step 7: Extending the Offer
- Once cleared, the hiring department may extend the offer to the finalist and proceed with the hiring process.
Screening Procedures by Hiring Method
- The final candidate is identified for a researcher or research support role.
- The hiring department updates the applicant status to Request Clearance for Researcher Hire.
- This status change triggers an email to the candidate with instructions to complete the Research Screening Form.
- Upon submission, the candidate’s status updates to Researcher Hire Under Core HR Review.
- UFHR reviews the form and forwards it to RISC if necessary.
- If approved:
- Faculty & OPS Positions: Status updates to Clear for Offer – Research/Research Support – UFHR use only.
- TEAMS & CARE Positions: UFHR completes the clearance for offer process.
If hiring outside of Careers at UF, follow the appropriate guidelines:
Provide
- Candidate’s position title
- College/unit
- Department
- Departmental HR contact
Follow-up recommendation: The hiring department should follow up with the candidate 3-5 days after sending the email if no response is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request Clearance for Researcher Hire: This status is used for the final candidate, and it triggers an email to the candidate to complete the research screening form.
Researcher Hire Under Core HR Review: After the candidate submits the form, their status updates, and Core HR is notified.
Under RISC Review: UF HR reviews the form and sends it to RISC for further review.
Clear for offer – Research/Research Support – UFHR use only: For Faculty or OPS positions, this status allows moving forward with the hiring process.
The DS-160, or Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required for certain candidates.
Research encompasses systematic study, application, or reporting aimed at furthering knowledge or practical developments. It includes training and use of research outcomes.
No, reclassifications or updates to position descriptions do not trigger the screening process.
No, informal market research for daily operations does not classify an applicant as such.
Yes, it can still trigger the screening process, not limited to peer-review or publication.
Yes, extensions may include such positions.
No, only the applicant’s duties are considered for screening, not their supervisor’s.
Route them through the International Scholars and International Visitors Portal for UF RISC review.
They are not included in the screening process unless moving to positions that require it.
They are not included in the screening process.
Employed faculty members are not included in the screening process.
Yes, the screening process is determined by the specific position rather than the individual candidate. Any candidate transitioning into a researcher or research support role will be required to undergo screening, regardless of any prior screenings.
Need Additional Support?
Contact Talent Acquisition & Onboarding at talent@hr.ufl.edu for assistance.