Research Operations Coordinator

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 27, 2026.

Department CEC College of Engineering and Computing

Anticipated Hiring Range $44,296 - $60,000

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Staff Time-Limited (STL)

12 months

Administrative

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Low country, 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.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

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. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Confidentiality and professionalism

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.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

File & Systems Management: Manage and maintain shared electronic file systems, such as One Drive 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…