What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Ops Coord position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
RTF00086PO26
USC Market Title
Administrative Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156185
Business Title (Internal Title)
Research Ops Coord
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Engineering and Computing
Department
CEC College of Engineering and Computing
Anticipated Hiring Range
$44,296 - $60,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
Work Schedule
- Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position
Staff Time-Limited (STL)
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Administrative
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, 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 https://uscjobs.sc.edu. 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
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
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
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
- 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.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Financial acumen.
- Attention to detail.
- Customer service mindset.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Confidentiality and professionalism.
Job Duties
Job Duty
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.
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
Job Duty
File & Systems Management:
Manage and maintain shared electronic file systems, such as OneDrive 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 operational workflows using tools such as Smartsheet, contributing to improved visibility and coordination across functions.
Manage and maintain shared electronic file systems, such as OneDrive 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 operational workflows using tools such as Smartsheet, contributing to improved visibility and coordination across functions.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Documentation & Process Support:
Assist in developing, formatting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and internal guidance documents to support consistent practices across research administration. Contribute to process improvement efforts by organizing materials and tracking implementation steps, helping to ensure initiatives are carried through effectively. Support the preparation of communications and resource materials for faculty and staff as needed, promoting clarity and accessibility of information.
Assist in developing, formatting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and internal guidance documents to support consistent practices across research administration. Contribute to process improvement efforts by organizing materials and tracking implementation steps, helping to ensure initiatives are carried through effectively. Support the preparation of communications and resource materials for faculty and staff as needed, promoting clarity and accessibility of information.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Pre-Award Administration:
In coordination with Pre-Award Specialists, support the preparation of proposal submissions by facilitating routing through internal systems for institutional approvals and assisting with the completion of sponsor-required ancillary documents. Coordinate the collection of personnel materials, subaward documentation, and other pre-award requirements as assigned, helping to ensure timely and complete proposal submission processes.
In coordination with Pre-Award Specialists, support the preparation of proposal submissions by facilitating routing through internal systems for institutional approvals and assisting with the completion of sponsor-required ancillary documents. Coordinate the collection of personnel materials, subaward documentation, and other pre-award requirements as assigned, helping to ensure timely and complete proposal submission processes.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Post-Award Administration:
Assist with the internal processing of post-award actions, including rebudgeting requests, no-cost extensions, prior approval requests, award closeout activities, and other assigned transactions. In coordination with Post-Award Administrators, support the submission of financial correction documents—such as journal vouchers and payroll updates—within USC’s PeopleSoft system. Coordinate the completion of time and effort certifications, summer salary requests, and other related financial activities to help ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Assist with the internal processing of post-award actions, including rebudgeting requests, no-cost extensions, prior approval requests, award closeout activities, and other assigned transactions. In coordination with Post-Award Administrators, support the submission of financial correction documents—such as journal vouchers and payroll updates—within USC’s PeopleSoft system. Coordinate the completion of time and effort certifications, summer salary requests, and other related financial activities to help ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
06/08/2026
Position End Date
06/07/2027
Job Open Date
04/22/2026
Job Close Date
05/22/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants are required to upload a copy of their resume’ and cover letter.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 22, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/205241
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $44,296 - $60,000