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University of Southern California

Research Administrator

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

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Research Administrator

role at

University of Southern California .

Job Title:

Research Administrator

Department:

Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC

Location:

Health Sciences Campus (Hybrid)

Responsibilities

Pre- and Post-Award Management: Oversee pre- and post-award processes for research projects, including contracts, grants, clinical trials, and philanthropic funding.

Clinical Trial Administration: Manage financial aspects of clinical trials, including budget tracking, investigator payments, invoices, and financial reporting for sponsors.

Proposal Development: Assist principal investigators (PIs) in preparing administrative components of grant proposals within sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.

Budget & Financial Oversight: Develop, prepare, and monitor project budgets, ensuring compliance with financial and institutional policies.

Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with the Sponsored Project Accounting office to ensure proper award setup and compliance with cost-sharing requirements.

Financial Reporting: Prepare grant award reports, projections, and monthly/quarterly research productivity and financial reports, including maintaining a research dashboard.

Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to improve efficiency in research administration, reporting, and award management.

Team Leadership: Assist in managing other departmental research administrators and support hiring and onboarding of research staff.

Collaboration & Liaison: Partner with USC Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA) office, Department of Contracts and Grants, KSOM Office of Research Administration, PIs, research groups, and external sponsors to facilitate smooth research operations and ensure compliance with policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

5+ years of experience in pre- and post-award management for federal and non-federal grants/contracts in an academic setting

2+ years of experience in financial management of clinical trials

Strong knowledge of NIH and other sponsored award regulations

Proficiency in financial forecasting, accounting, and data management systems

Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

7-10+ years of experience in contracts and grants coordination in a fast-paced academic environment

5+ years of experience in clinical trial financial management

Experience with USC systems, including Workday, Cayuse, and Kuali

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred

Required Skills

Strong understanding of clinical trial methodologies and regulatory requirements

Proficiency in Excel for post-award financial management

Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service-oriented mindset

Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team

Excellent time management and ability to prioritize workload effectively

Strong financial data analysis, reporting, and presentation skills

Application Requirements

Resume

Cover letter detailing interest in the position and fit with qualifications

3-5 references, including at least three direct supervisors (letters of recommendation optional)

Compensation Annual base salary range: $99,645.78 – $120,000. Note: USC considers multiple factors when extending an offer.

EEO statements and background screening: USC will consider all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and related policies. See Background Screening Policy Appendix D for details.

Posted date and job ID information, as well as non-essential job board content, have been omitted in this refined description.

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