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.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws
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 programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
