Research Operations Coordinator

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Operations Coordinator in Columbia to provide administrative and operational support for the college's research administration functions, spanning pre-award and post-award activities.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations, the role focuses on internal workflows, shared systems, and day-to-day research office operations, with occasional collaboration with faculty and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education research administration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and research admin systems.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet for tracking.
• Experience in administrative coordination or research administration.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational support for the college's research administration functions.
• Help manage internal workflows and documentation across the research lifecycle.
• Support day-to-day operations of the research office.
• Interact occasionally with faculty and departmental staff.

Skills

Higher-ed research admin

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Independent work

Written communication

Verbal communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Smartsheet

Enterprise financial systems

Job description

Research Operations Coordinator

Department: CEC College of Engineering and Computing

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC 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.

Advertised Job Summary

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.

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 Close Date

09/27/2026

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.