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The USC Department of Neurology in the Keck School of Medicine of USC is seeking an experienced Senior Research Administrator to lead its research administration team. The department’s faculty member principal investigators generate wide ranging and complex research programs, sponsored projects, contracts and grants. 

The Senior Research Administrator will lead the department’s pre- and post-award grants management activities, develop and implement written standard operating procedures and best practices for department research administrators and faculty, and establish training and career development goals for research administrators in the department. The Senior Research Administrator will also maintain departmental grant metrics to monitor and track sponsored research funding. 

The successful candidate will have extensive grants management experience in an academic research setting, and possess the skillset to transform research administrative services. The Senior Research Administrator is responsible for complex research proposals from start to finish and will interact with the Keck School of Medicine’s Office of Research Administration, USC's Department of Contracts and Grants (DCG), Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA), and other University offices to facilitate the exchange of information and provide services associated with pre- and post-ward administration of sponsored projects.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree and 10+ years of experience in an academic research institution; NIH grants proposal and administration experience; keen attention to detail; superior organization skills; excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills; and, the ability to lead through impact and influence in a fast-paced collaborative environment.   This position recruits, screens, hires, trains, leads and supervises all assigned staff.

Salary range

The annual base salary range for this position is $110,057- $143,116. 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.

Accountabilities

• Manages a portfolio of complex grants and contracts. Provides short-term backup coverage for Research Administrators during periods of absence or leave.
• Monitors proposal caseload and makes assignment recommendations accordingly.
  Delegates tasks and projects, when necessary. Monitors workflow and processes and makes adjustments as required. Conducts performance appraisals. Provides coaching and mentoring, as necessary.
• Resolves extremely complex issues escalated from team members and
  determines if further review is necessary by senior management or key University constituencies.
• Serves as the primary liaison between principal investigators, Keck School Office of Research Administration, USC Departments of Contracts and Grants, Sponsored Project Accounting, research groups, and high-profile sponsors, as required.
• Directly or indirectly manages program and administrative staff, usually through subordinate managers and supervisors. Recruits, screens, hires, and trains staff, as necessary. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees as required. Recommends Neurology research administration office goals and objectives, including workforce planning and compensation recommendations. Reassesses or redefines priorities as appropriate in order to achieve performance objectives. Recommends, approves and monitors professional training and development opportunities for staff.

Administration :

• Routinely meets with faculty, principal investigators and senior department administration.
• Attends department, school and central research administration meetings.
• Designs and leads workflow and process improvements.

Required Applicant Documents: (1) Resume/CV, and, (2) Cover Letter. Please upload your resume + cover letter as a single PDF document in your application.

Minimum Education:Bachelor's degreeCombined experience/education as substitute for minimum educationMinimum Experience:7 yearsPreferred Education:Master's degreePreferred Experience:10 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 circumstances appropriate for each type of position.Preferred Field of Expertise:Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting. Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project

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