Post-Award Research Administrator

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Post-Award Research Administrator I.

Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi,
United States

Division Office of Research Administration

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date October 16, 2026

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

The Post-Award Research Administrator I supports the financial and administrative management of externally funded sponsored projects within the central Office of Research Support and Development at an R1 university with approximately $100M in annualexternal funding. The position supports faculty and departmental researchadministrators with the lifecycle management of awards, from account setupthrough closeout, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

This position works collaboratively with faculty, departmental staff, and centralstaff to perform transactional and analytical functions which include but isnot limited to expenditure review, financial monitoring, invoicing, reporting,budget management, and audit support.

• Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards, supporting financial oversight and administration throughout the award lifecycle from setup through closeout.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and departmental staff by interpreting financial policies, award terms, and compliance requirements, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Review, reconcile, and monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and 2 CFR 200, ensuring costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
• Analyze award financial activity, identify variances or potential issues, and provide recommendations to support effective stewardship of sponsored funds.
• Prepare and/or review sponsor invoices, billing submissions, and financial reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with award terms and conditions.
• Assist with budget management, including rebudgeting actions, cost transfers, and sponsor prior approval requests in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain award financial records in institutional systems, ensuring proper setup of billing, reporting, and cost share requirements.
• Monitor subrecipient financial activity, including review of invoices and documentation to ensure compliance with subaward agreements and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Support financial closeout of awards, ensuring all reporting, reconciliations, and final deliverables are completed in accordance with sponsor and institutional deadlines.
• Contribute to process improvement, internal controls, and audit readiness efforts, supporting effective and compliant research administration operations.
• Participate in training and professional development related to research administration, including sponsor updates, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Office of Research Support and Development and the University’s research mission.

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business,public administration, or a related field.

One (1) year of experience in financial analysis, accounting,compliance, or administrative support.

• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor regulations, including Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations…