University of Southern California

Associate Research Administrator

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, ideally in Business (Accounting/Finance) or related field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in contracts/grants administration.
  • Strong accounting skills and knowledge of governmental regulations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and other relevant research software.
  • Competency in project management and the ability to analyze statistical reports.

Responsibilities

  • Assist principal investigators with proposal preparation within research guidelines.
  • Create, prepare, and finalize project budgets.
  • Review and approve project expenditures.
  • Serve as the main liaison between research groups and the Office of Sponsored Research.
  • Ensure proper award setup and fulfill cost-sharing requirements with the Office of Sponsored Research.
  • Communicate reports on project status clearly and effectively.
  • Participate in the contract closeout process.

Benefits

  • Health benefits for staff and families within the USC medical network.
  • Eligibility for employer-contributed retirement plans after six months.
  • Tuition benefits for staff and families.
  • Free professional development classes.
  • Convenient central Los Angeles location with easy commuter access.
Full Job Description
The Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Research Office is seeking an Associate Research Administrator to join its team and support the department in managing its day-to-day contracts and grants administrative operations.

Essential responsibilities include:
  • Participates with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
  • Develops, prepares, and finalizes project budgets.
  • Reviews and approves expenditures.
  • Serves as primary liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments.
  • Collaborates with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled.
  • Develops and communicates reports supporting project status.
  • Participates in contract closeout process.
  • 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.
  • Participates in and contributes to process improvements.
  • Participates as a mentor and provides cross-training, as necessary.
  • Experience in creating and analyzing statistical reports.
  • Must be able to utilize computer technology to access data, maintain records and generate reports.
  • Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), strong financial and accounting acumen, the ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time frames and minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, and exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Must be skilled in using the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), other internet applications (search engines, online portals), and similar software.
  • Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software (e.g., Microsoft Access, Outlook, SPSS, Visio, SunGard).
  • Competency in project management.
  • Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Business (Accounting/Finance preferred) or combined experience/education as a substitute for minimum education.
  • Preferred experience: 4 years
  • Educational administrative experience is a plus.
  • Directly related contracts/grants administration experience.
  • Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
  • Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with an understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.

Supervises: Level:
  • May lead other staff in related work duties.


Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $42 - $44. 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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information:
  • Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents. Applications without required documents will not be considered.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
  • USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.


Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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.

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$143007.htmld

About University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 and is the oldest private research university in California. USC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, law, engineering, medicine, and the arts. The university is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. USC has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 47,000 students, including 28,000 undergraduate students.
Learn more about University of Southern California
Size
28,000 employees
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Founded
1880

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