Associate Research Administrator

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Division Chief, the Associate Research Coordinator provides financial management and research administration services to research faculty in the division. The role works with faculty and administrative staff to ensure grants are managed in a fiscally compliant manner. It requires a bright, organized, self-motivated, reliable, and conscientious individual who can solve analytical problems, plan independently, work with staff at all levels, and establish and maintain relationships across departments and divisions while supporting principal investigators’ grant and accounting needs. The position involves many internal and external deadlines and may be subject to changes in duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; combined experience and education may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
• At least 3 years of minimum experience.
• Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.
• Strong accounting skills and competency in project management.
• Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software, including Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SPSS, Visio, and SunGard.
• Experience creating and analyzing statistical reports.
• Ability to use computer technology to access data, maintain records, and generate reports.
• Proven oral and written communication skills for interacting with other employees.
• Ability to solve analytical problems, plan independently, and work with all levels of staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships within and across departments and divisions.

Responsibilities

• Participate with principal investigators in preparing administrative components of proposals in accordance with sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Oversee and communicate paper and electronic proposal submission processes.
• Review documents for completeness and compliance.
• Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets and provide budget justifications.
• Serve as a primary liaison and active partner among principal investigators, the Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments.
• Respond to sponsor inquiries.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled.
• Initiate cost transfers and review and approve expenditures.
• Advise on post-award spending and commitment activity.
• Oversee compliance related to funds and revenue.
• Develop and communicate reports supporting project status, and create forecasting and decision aids.
• Participate in contract closeout, submit final reports and certificates, and compile information and documents for audit inquiries.
• Understand, apply, and advise on University and government policies for projects.
• Serve as a subject-area and technical resource to principal investigators and other university staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level