Sponsored Research Administrator I

at  University of South Florida

Dept Number/Name: 0-7903-000 / Sponsored Research
College Division: Research-Sponsored Research
Salary Plan: Administrative
Job Code/Title: 3215 / Sponsored Research Admin I
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $57,500 - $62,500
Position Number: 00000427
Work Flexibility: Fully Remote

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

Sponsored Research (DSR), a department within USF Research & Innovation, is responsible for the USF Systemwide development and administration of sponsored research activities, with delegated authority by the USF System President to execute contracts on behalf of the university. DSR coordinates and manages external and internal contracts and grants, providing services to faculty researchers and unit research administrators in the colleges and departments related to funding searches, proposal development, and grants management training. Subunits include Proposal Development Services; Proposals and Awards Services, including Subawards; Electronic Proposal Submission; Export Control; and Complex Projects. DSR has approximately 35 employees at four locations (Tampa, USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee, and USF College of Medicine), with an annual budget of $3 million. Nearly $400 million in grant and contract awards was processed in Sponsored Research last year. Clients served are USF System faculty, research administrators and other USF employees, students, community liaisons for collaborative projects, and representatives of public and private sponsoring agencies. DSR is a fast-paced, compliance- and deadline-oriented office, the mission of which is based in Florida Statute and is to protect the best interests of the USF System.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position in Sponsored Research, USF Research & Innovation, is one of several key positions that provide administrative and technical assistance and support to faculty and staff in the development of proposals and electronic proposals for outside funding for research and special sponsored institutional projects. The incumbent negotiates, administers, extends, terminates, and re-negotiates grants, contracts, and sub-contracts for sponsored research projects. Independent judgment and discretion is used in monitoring and interpreting relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards for regulatory compliance and the fulfillment of contractual obligations for sponsor and university commitments.

Assists and consults with faculty and PIs during the preparation and development of grant proposals. Reviews proposals, provides recommendations, drafts modifications, and interprets funding agency guidelines and any applicable regulations. Ensures proposals are submitted through appropriate mediums, sent to all necessary parties/agencies, and are received by sponsors on a timely basis.
Negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts, subcontracts and amendments with sponsoring agencies to ensure compatibility with University guidelines and mission. Reviews contract terms to protect any intellectual properties of the PI and the University. Acts as liaison with the General Counsel’s office on complex legal matters and receives appropriate approvals for such matters.
Performs continuous monitoring of contract terms and works with Principal Investigators to ensure that the sponsoring agency guidelines and contract terms are adhered to by all parties working on the grant (e.g., USF employees, subcontractors, other Universities, etc.) throughout the life of the contract. When necessary, reviews contracts/subcontracts/amendments and contact sponsors in an effort to obtain amendments, extensions, or to re-negotiate terms and conditions.
Reviews and submits proposals for private sector sponsors or not-for-profit organizations through USF’s Research Foundation. Performs both pre and post award duties from proposal development to contract close out in support of Research Foundation contracts. Acts as liaison with the sponsoring agency and Research Foundation staff.
Develops, provides assistance, and/or modifies grant proposal budget figures including budget projections, budget justifications, and appropriateness of budgeted items. Assists in the determination and computation of appropriate salary levels, percentages of effort, fringe benefit rates, indirect cost rate and base, etc.
Sets up and processes the awarded grant by performing set up procedures in all Enterprise systems and databases, ensuring funds are released per the award guidelines, reviewing the contract for spending restrictions, and reviewing terms for appropriate protocol and research assurances such as IRB or Biosafety considerations. Assists PI with initial budgetary set up forms and procedures and advises PI and appropriate staff of contract terms and conditions, budgetary matters, and compliance considerations.
Works with Research Financial Management, Research Compliance, Comparative Medicine, etc. to meet the needs of the proposal, contract or subcontract.
Gathers information and responds to granting agency and auditor inquiries. Refers highly complex or extremely sensitive audit or legal matters to the Director, AVP or other appropriate administrator.
Acts as liaison with PIs, faculty and other departmental grant staff. Notifies and advises PI and department of expenditure restrictions, current expenditure procedures, contract amendments, time extensions, etc. Alerts PIs and grant personnel of compliance issues.
Remains current on federal and state regulations and monitors upcoming funding sources and opportunities for sponsored research projects.
Reviews monthly activity summaries and reports for submission to university faculty, staff and administrative officials. This includes verifying data for monthly and annual reports. Designs and participates in conducting training sessions for university faculty, administrators and support staff.
As required, performs other assigned miscellaneous administrative duties including preparing special reports which are related to the University’s sponsored program activities.