Unit Research Admin

Unit Research Admin (Finance)

A Unit Research Administrator supports researchers by preparing budget projections, developing materials for compliance analysis, and advising them concerning the review of the proposals by Sponsored Research. The position researches internal and external grant sources and disseminates information on grant opportunities of interest to researchers in a college or department. After awards are made the Administrator provides guidance on setting up accounts, hiring staff, reconciling projects on a regular basis, reviewing and approving invoices and financial reports prepared by Sponsored Research, preparing expenditure transfers and override requests with supporting justification, and reviewing the final reconciliation of projects.

This role does not support a single research program, but works with many research proposals and projects. It meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since it requires advanced knowledge, skills and judgement.

• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of professional administrative experience, OR a master’s degree. Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑to‑year basis.
• Compliance with Senate Bill 1310:
  • Two years of direct experience for an associate degree.
  • Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree.
  • Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree.
  • Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position.
• Minimum qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

• Finds and promotes grant opportunities; identifies sources of funding for research and/or service programs; provides assistance and guidance to facilitate development, administrative review, and funding processes for faculty.
• Conveys proposal guidelines to researchers; reviews applications for research projects for format and completeness.
• Reviews award budgets and expenditures (expenses, equipment, salaries) for compliance with grant terms and unit guidelines.
• Reconciles projects on a monthly basis, prepares documents to correct expenditures in keeping with the budget categories, and maintains supporting documentation.
• Assists with budget and activity reports on active grants to Sponsored Research.
• Keeps statistics on unit research activities.
• Coordinates internal proposal submission and approval; meets with faculty regarding budget questions and resource commitments; coordinates meetings of department faculty with research administration and compliance committees.
• Monitors Institutional Review Board/Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee closure dates and monitors when technical and financial reports are due, consistent with the terms and conditions of the award. Maintains vitae of researchers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

The University of South Florida is an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.