Associate Research Administrator

About the role

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

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.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility

Additional information

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