Associate Research Administrator

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 59,236 - 71,456; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Professional development courses

Discounts to campus events

Job summary

A leading university is seeking an experienced Associate Research Administrator to manage complex research proposals and budgets while collaborating with research offices. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in sponsored research, particularly with NIH. This role offers a competitive hourly rate between $43.00 and $51.87, along with excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition benefits for staff and their families.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience with sponsored research, NIH preferred.
• Enjoys teamwork and team building.
• Ability to work in a deadline driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepares complex proposals for research projects.
• Develops and finalizes project budgets.
• Manages contract closeout process and audits inquiries.

Skills

Sponsored research experience

Proficient in Excel

Professional written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Access

SPSS

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Prepares complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Develops, prepares, revises, and finalizes project budgets, and provides budget justification.
• Collaborates with the Sponsored Research Offices to ensure awards are set up properly, including cost-sharing requirements.
• Reviews grant expenditures
• Develops and communicates reports supporting project status. Creates effective forecasting and decision aids.
• Manages contract closeout process and audits inquiries.
• Serves as a Research Administration subject matter expert.
• Interprets complex University and government policies.
• Identifies and implements process improvements.
• May negotiate and communicate with federal and state sponsors, industry sponsors, other institutions, and/or University schools or divisions in regard to application issues.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years of experience with sponsored research, NIH preferred
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office
• 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 $43.00 – 51.87. 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/

Required Application Documents: Cover Letter and CV/Resume

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.

Job ID REQ20170137 Posted Date 12/16/2025

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