Research Administrator

Job Title: Research Administrator

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

Location: Health Sciences Campus (Hybrid)

Position Summary:
The Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) of USC is seeking a Research Administrator to support our growing and dynamic research department. Reporting to the Senior Clinical Administrative Director II, and working closely with the KSOM Office of Research Administration, the Research Administrator will work closely with a team of highly motivated research investigators to manage financial and administrative research activities.

Key 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 closely the USC Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA) office, Department of Contracts and Grants, KSOM Office of Research Administration, principal investigators, research groups, and external sponsors to facilitate smooth research operations and ensure compliance with institutional and funding agency 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:
Interested candidates should submit the following:

• 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)

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying to.

The annual base salary range for this position is $99,645.78 - $120,000,00. 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 is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

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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