Associate Research Administrator

Reporting to the Division Chief, the Associate Research Coordinator will be responsible for the financial management and research administration services required by the research faculty in the division.

The position will work with both faculty and administrative staff to ensure the division’s grants are managed in a fiscally compliant manner. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Participates with the principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within the parameters of sponsored and non- sponsored research guidelines. Oversees and communicates the submission process, both paper and electronic. Reviews documents for completeness and compliance.

- Develops, prepares, and finalizes project budgets. Provides budget justification.

- Serves as primary liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments. Responds to sponsor inquiries.

- Collaborates with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled. Initiates cost transfers.

- Reviews and approves expenditures.  Advises on post-award spending and commitment activity. Oversees compliance related to funds and revenue.

- Develops and communicates reports supporting project status. Creates effective forecasting and decision aids.

- Participates in contract closeout process. Submits final reports and certificates. Compiles information and documents needed for audit inquiries.

- Understands, applies, and advises on University and government policies for projects.

- Serves as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.

This is a high-pressure position as there are many internal and external deadlines. Requires a bright, competent, and organized individual that is self‐motivated, reliable, conscientious, and able to solve analytical problems, as well as plan independently. Must be able to work with all levels of staff. Position requires establishing and maintaining relationships within and across departments and divisions, as well as servicing the grant and accounting needs of principal investigators. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Hourly range

The hourly rate range for this position is $43.00 - $53.38. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise:
Basic knowledge of governmental regulations. Strong accounting skills. Competency in project management. A Bachelor’s Degree with broad knowledge of relevant research computer software, e.g.: Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Outlook, SPSS, Visio, and SunGard. Experience in creating and analyzing statistical reports. Must be able to utilize computer technology to access data, maintain records and generate reports.
Proven oral and written communication skills to interact with other employees.
1-2 years of experience in an academic setting with direct experience in grants and financial management.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the   Background Screening Policy Appendix D   for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at  uschr@usc.edu . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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