Unit Research Administrator

A Unit Research Administrator supports researchers by preparing budget projections, developing materials for compliance analysis, and advising the researchers 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 position provides guidance to researchers on administrative steps such as setting up accounts, hiring staff, reconciling the 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 the projects prepared by Sponsored Research. A Unit Research Administrator does not support a single research program, but works with many research proposals and projects. This position meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since it performs work that requires advanced knowledge, skills and judgement. The work is distinguished from general administrative support positions by consulting primarily on research projects and assisting in grant proposal development, compliance review processes, and fiscal administration. It differs from the roles of Sponsored Research since it does not negotiate nor contract with granting agencies, as it does not have the authority of the central administrative offices that are responsible for financial audits, contact with the sponsor, submitting and/or executing proposals and awards on behalf of USF. Finds and promotes grant opportunities. Identifies sources of funding for the conduct of research and/or service programs. Provides assistance and guidance to facilitate the development, administrative review, and funding process for faculty. Conveys proposal guidelines to researcher. Reviews applications for research projects for format and completeness. Reviews award budget and expenditures (expenses, equipment, and 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. 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 from the Applications for Research Compliance portal, and 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 requires a 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 for year basis. Experience in a higher education setting preferred. Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310 ) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree; (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree; (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree