Senior Research Administrator at USC (2024)

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a unique facility that unites world-class researchers in a variety of disciplines centered around structures of the craniofacial region. Since its inception in 1991, CCMB has been home to many major discoveries and has attracted top researchers from around the world.

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology is seeking a seasoned and experienced full-time leader as itsSenior Research Administratorto oversee the department’s business and research administration operations. CCMB has an extensive grant portfolio of more than $20 million in annual sponsored research funding and operation budget.

The successful candidate will have extensive prior experience with grants management in academic research setting and possess the skillset to transform research administrative services.

Position specific job summary

Under the direction of the Director, this position will manage the business and financial operations at CCMB, as well as provide oversight and supervision of pre- and post-NIH grants and other awards activities. Seven to ten years of pre- and post-award grant management in the biological sciences (specifically National Institutes of Health awards) is required. This role is an onsite position at USC’s Health Science Campus.

Job Accountabilities:

Manages overall finance and budgeting of the Center including annual budget submission process. Manages compliance with federal, state, and University regulations. Oversees the submission and administration of complex grant proposals and awards. Serves as primary liaison between principal investigators, Department of Contracts and Grants, Sponsor Project Accounting, research groups, and senior University management. Interprets University and government policies (Uniform Guidance, FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and University personnel and helps guide other staff in interpreting policies. Directly or indirectly manages program and administrative staff. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees as required. Recommends departmental goals and objectives, including workforce planning and compensation recommendations. Reassess or redefines priorities as appropriate to achieve performance objectives. Recommends, approves, and monitors professional training and development opportunities for staff. Coordinates security activities with Department of Public Safety. Ensures dissemination of security related information to staff.

Job qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate University policies and procedures. Excellent oral, written, and communication skills. Excellent analytical skills: demonstrated proficiency in Workday, CONCUR, Excel and web-based tools. Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles. Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts. Knowledge of staff and personnel management. Seven to ten years of pre- and post-award grant management in the biological sciences (specifically National Institutes of Health awards) is preferred. Preferred Education: Master's degree, Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

The Trojan Family Rewards:

We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families including. For more information please visit http://benefits.usc.edu

This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans!

As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members.

USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us!

FIGHT ON!

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,981.43- $110,836.40. 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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.Minimum Experience: 7 yearsMinimum Field of Expertise: Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, A-21, A-110, A-133, CAS). Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate University policies and procedures. Excellent oral, written, and communication skills. Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools. Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles. Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts. Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctorals, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants, along with the circ*mstances appropriate for each type of position.