Associate Research Administrator

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 a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

It is an exciting time at USC. We are world-renowned for our innovative education, academic excellence and path-breaking research in a vibrant region exploding with potential. As part of a university that is on an upward trajectory, excellent development and advancement opportunities are possible here. Ultimately, you will support the university’s expansive, humanity-centered mission: “The development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.”

The Dornsife Business Office at the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking an Associate Research Administrator to join its team.

Specifically, the Associate Research Administrator will manage day-to-day activities for post-award research administration for a variety of departments with strong sponsored research portfolios.

The ideal candidate will have extensive research administration experience. The candidate should be detail oriented and understand the award lifecycle. We are looking for confidence within award management, ability to work under pressure, and exceptional organizational skills.  The candidate should be proactive, hence be willing to get involved and provide support as needed.

Job responsibilities include:
 

• Participates with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non- sponsored research guidelines.
• Oversees and communicates 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 fund 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.
• Participates in and contributes to process improvements. Participates as a mentor and provides cross-training, as necessary.

Location and Conditions:   

• Position could be considered to be fully remote.
• Employees can work in the office or remote in most locations in the US.
• Remote employees will need to have a professional and private office setting and reliable internet.
• Employees will need to be available and ready to work during business hours and have the ability to attend video meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of 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 understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $40.88 - $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 equity, 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.
• 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.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. 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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