Research Operations Coordinator

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave

Retirement programs

Job summary

The University of South Carolina invites applications for a Research Operations Coordinator to provide administrative and operational support for the college’s research administration functions, spanning both pre-award and post-award activities. The role reports to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations and collaborates with pre-award and post-award teams.

This full-time position in Columbia emphasizes internal workflow management, file/document control in OneDrive/SharePoint, and

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic research administration systems.
• Experience with tracking tools and document management processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and coordination support for pre-award and post-award activities.
• Manage shared electronic files and documentation using OneDrive/SharePoint; support Smartsheet workflows.
• Assist in developing SOPs, templates, and internal guidance documents; support communications for faculty and staff.
• Support proposal submissions with internal routing and required documents.
• Assist post-award actions, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, and time & effort certifications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Independent & collaborative work

Confidentiality & professionalism

Customer service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Office

OneDrive/SharePoint

Enterprise financial systems

Job description

Research Operations Coordinator

The purpose of the Research Operations Coordinator is to provide administrative and operational support for the college’s research administration functions. This role plays a key part in maintaining organized, efficient, and consistent processes across the research lifecycle, supporting both pre-award and post-award activities. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations and working closely with the pre-award and post-award teams, the Coordinator helps manage internal workflows, maintain shared systems and documentation, and support day-to-day operations of the research office. This position is primarily internally focused, with occasional interaction with faculty and departmental staff.

Salary: $44,296 - $60,000

Contract: Full Time; Basis: 12 months; Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (flexible schedule may be required)

Location: Columbia, Richland, SC; College of Engineering and Computing; Department: CEC College of Engineering and Computing

Benefits

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

• South Carolina Retirement: Yes
• State Insurance Programs: Yes
• Annual Leave: Yes
• Sick Leave: Yes

Required Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education research administration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, electronic research administration systems and enterprise financial systems.
• Familiarity with tracking tools such as Smartsheet.
• Experience in administrative coordination, operations, or research administration.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage to manage multiple priorities and maintain detailed records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Financial acumen
• Attention to detail
• Customer service mindset
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Confidentiality and professionalism

Job Duties

• Operational & Administrative Support: Provide administrative and coordination support to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations and research office leadership, helping to ensure smooth and effective day-to-day functioning. Assist in organizing and maintaining operations across both pre-award and post-award activities, while managing and prioritizing workload in alignment with competing deadlines and funding cycles. Contribute to ongoing process improvements aimed at strengthening service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance (30% of time).
• File & Systems Management: Manage and maintain shared electronic file systems, such as OneDrive and SharePoint, to ensure consistency, accessibility, and adherence to record-keeping standards. Develop and sustain organized file structures and document management processes to support research administration activities. Support the tracking of proposals, awards, and operational workflows using tools such as Smartsheet (15% of time).
• Documentation & Process Support: Assist in developing, formatting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and internal guidance documents to support consistent practices across research administration. Contribute to process improvement efforts by organizing materials and tracking implementation steps, helping to ensure initiatives are carried through effectively. Support the preparation of communications and resource materials for faculty and staff as needed (15% of time).
• Pre-award Administration: In coordination with Pre-award Specialists, support the preparation of proposal submissions by facilitating routing through internal systems for institutional approvals and assisting with the completion of sponsor-required ancillary documents. Coordinate the collection of personnel materials, subaward documentation, and other pre-award requirements as assigned, helping to ensure timely and complete proposal submission processes (20% of time).
• Post-award Administration: Assist with the internal processing of post-award actions, including rebudgeting requests, no-cost extensions, prior approval requests, award closeout activities, and other assigned transactions. In coordination with Post-award Administrators, support the submission of financial correction documents—such as journal vouchers and payroll updates—within USC’s PeopleSoft system. Coordinate the completion of time and effort certifications, summer salary requests, and other related financial activities to help ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance (20% of time).

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category: Non-essential.

Posting Details

• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Desired Start Date: 11/01/2026
• Position End Date: 10/31/2027
• Job Open Date: 09/14/2026
• Job Close Date: 09/27/2026
• Open Until Filled: No

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.