Assistant Research Adminstrator

Job ID REQ20173954 Category Research and Clinical Support

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking an Assistant Research Administrator with strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to join its team! The Assistant Research Administrator assists in the preparation of routine proposals within the parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Assists in the development, preparation, and finalization of project budgets. Serves as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments. Collaborates with the Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly, including cost-sharing awards, if applicable. Reviews and understands the terms and conditions of sponsored projects administered. Initiates expenditures. Downloads and monitors reports supporting project status. Participates in the contract closeout process and audits inquiries. Coordinates and organizes events related to sponsored projects. Participates in and contributes to process improvements and group projects. This position reports to the Associate Research Administrator-Post Award and will work on campus at UPC.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in the preparation of routine proposals for submission to sponsoring agencies.
• Assists with the document preparation, budget and compliance review, and the proposal approval process in the electronic proposal system.
• Assists in the development, preparation, and finalization of project budgets.
• Participates in the communication between principal investigators, collaborating researchers, department of Contracts and Grants, Sponsored Projects Accounting and other USC departments relevant for accurate research administration.
• Supports the collaboration with Sponsored Project Accounting to ensure awards are set up properly, including cost-sharing accounts and advance funding requests.
• Reviews and understands the terms and conditions of sponsored projects and supports efforts to ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and USC/funder regulations.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and comprehension of USC financial and research administration systems such as Workday, Cayuse, KC, TARA, and Cognos Business Intelligence.
• Initiates expenditures as requested by faculty or staff, creates requisitions in the USC procurement system, sets up new suppliers/vendors and independent contractors funded by grant accounts.
• Processes reimbursements for faculty, staff, independent contractors and guest speakers.
• Financial Management: monitor budgets and expenses, ensure spending follows NIH compliance guidelines, handle payroll allocations for researchers on grants
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure projects follow all rules, including federal regulations and sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, audit readiness (keep records in case of review)
• Grant Lifecycle Oversight: confirm accurate set up of grant accounts, track deadlines (reports, renewals, closeouts) and handle modifications (budget changes and extensions)
• Reporting and Closeout: submit final financial reports, ensure funds are properly spent and reported, close the account according to sponsor requirements.
• Prepares individual financial faculty reports on sponsored projects in the school as needed.
• Participates in contract closeout processes and audits inquiries.
• Participates in the coordination of events related to sponsored projects.
• Performs special projects and assignments as requested but the Dean.

The hourly range for this position is $35-$36.94. 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

Benefits include a competitive salary, a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more. This is a full-time salaried position that will require substantial commitment and flexibility.

If you are interested and would like to be considered for this position, please submit your complete application. Include a cover letter and resume.

Thank you for your interest!

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 Year Minimum Field of Expertise: A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience 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.