Assistant Research Administrator

USC Auxiliary Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

USC Keck School of Medicine - Alzheimer Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) in San Diego seeks an Assistant Research Administrator to support the Finance Department in an academic finance role.

You will prepare proposals, develop budgets, and act as a liaison among investigators, the Office of Sponsored Research, and other departments. Strong analytics and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year minimum experience in research administration or a related field.
• Experience with budgeting, proposals, and post-award spending and reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and research software (SPSS, Visio, SunGard).
• Strong written and oral communication skills for collaboration with investigators and departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare routine proposals within sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Develop, prepare and finalize project budgets.
• Serve as liaison between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly.
• Review terms and conditions of sponsored projects and cost-sharing where applicable.
• Monitor post-award spending and commitment activity; certify monthly expenditure statements.
• Forecast project status and assist with quarterly reviews using decision aids.
• Participate in contract closeout and audit inquiries.
• Coordinate events related to sponsored projects and conferences.
• Contribute to process improvements and group projects.

Skills

Budgeting

Proposal development

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Combined experience/education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

SPSS

Visio

SunGard

Microsoft Access

Job description

Assistant Research Administrator

Location: San Diego, CA

Job ID: REQ20158768 Category: Research and Clinical Support

About the Institute

The USC Keck School of Medicine - Alzheimer Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), located in San Diego, California is an academic institute comprised of an expert panel of scientific collaborators committed to advancing the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) through innovative clinical trials.

Position Overview

ATRI Is Looking For An Assistant Research Administrator To Support The Finance Department. This Is An Academic Finance Position.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of routine proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Develop, prepare and finalize project budgets.
• Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly.
• Review and understand the terms and conditions of sponsored projects administered, including cost-sharing awards, if applicable.
• Monitors post award spending and commitment activity. Reviews and certifies monthly expenditure statements and facilitates quarterly review.
• Monitors reports supporting project status and uses forecasting and decision aides under guidance.
• Participate in contract closeout process and audit inquiries.
• Coordinates and organizes events related to sponsored projects, such as conferences, meetings, site visits, or sponsor reviews, as needed.
• Participates in and contributes to process improvements and group projects, as required.

Compensation

Salary is dependent on education and experience. The hourly rate range for this position is $36.22 - $45.60.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 1 Year

Minimum Field of Expertise: A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience 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.

Employment Considerations

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 (opens in new window) for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Posted Date: 10/31/2026