Associate Research Administrator

Associate Research Administrator

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California

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 Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Research Office is seeking an Associate Research Administrator to join its team and support the department in managing its day-to-day contracts and grants administrative operations. Essential responsibilities include :

• Participates with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Develops, prepares, and finalizes project budgets.
• Reviews and approves expenditures.
• Serves as primary liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments.
• Collaborates with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled.
• Develops and communicates reports supporting project status.
• Participates in contract closeout process.
• 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.
• Experience in creating and analyzing statistical reports.
• Must be able to utilize computer technology to access data, maintain records and generate reports.
• Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), strong financial and accounting acumen, the ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time frames and minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, and exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be skilled in using the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), other internet applications (search engines, online portals), and similar software.
• Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software (e.g., Microsoft Access, Outlook, SPSS, Visio, SunGard).
• Competency in project management.
• Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.

Preferred Qualifications :

Supervises :

Hourly range : The hourly rate range for this position is $42 - $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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information :

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree

Combined experience / education as substitute for minimum education

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.