Associate Research Administrator

Exciting Career Opportunity!

The Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) of USC is seeking an experienced Associate Research Administrator to join the KSOM Office of Research Administration serving the research community of the Keck School of Medicine.

Job Description

Participates with principal investigators in the preparation of the administrative and regulatory components of proposals and grant awards within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Develops, prepares, and finalizes project budgets, and aids in the compilation of application materials. Serves as primary liaison and active partner between principal investigators, regulatory compliance office, and other departments as needed.

Collaborates with Office of Sponsored Research Accounting to ensure awards are set up properly and are compliant with Federal and University guidelines.  Participates in closeout process. Understands, applies, and advises on University and sponsor 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.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Prepares complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Develops, prepares, revises, and finalizes project budgets, and assists with budget justifications.
• Provides assistance with regulatory requirements for human and animal subjects and with institutional biosafety applications.
• Collaborates with the Sponsored Research Offices to ensure awards are set up properly.
• Reviews grant expenditures for financial compliance.
• Develops and communicates reports supporting project status. Creates effective forecasting and decision aids.
• Manages grant closeout process and audits inquiries.
• Serves as a Research Administration subject matter expert.
• Interprets complex University and sponsor policies.
• Identifies and implements process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years of experience with sponsored research, NIH preferred
• Experience with regulatory compliance (e.g., IRB, IACUC, Institutional Biosafety Committees)
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office Tools
• Enjoys teamwork and team building
• Excels at professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a deadline driven environment and balance competing priorities
• Previous work experience in an academic/university and/or research setting

The hourly rate range for this position is between $40.60 - $48.72. 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.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff members & their families with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans; tuition benefits for staff members & their families; free professional development online courses; Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events. To view more information, please visit: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

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.