Research Operations Coordinator at University of South Carolina

Edtech.com's Summary

University of South Carolina is hiring a Research Operations Coordinator. The role involves providing administrative and operational support for the College of Engineering and Computing's research administration functions, maintaining efficient workflows across the research lifecycle, and supporting pre-award and post-award activities. The Coordinator collaborates with leadership and research teams to manage internal systems, documentation, and day-to-day office operations while interacting occasionally with faculty and departmental staff.

Highlights

Provide operational and administrative support to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations and research office leadership.

Manage and maintain shared electronic file systems like OneDrive and SharePoint for research administration.

Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, templates, and internal guidance documents.

Assist with pre-award tasks including coordinating proposal submissions and collecting required documentation.

Support post-award activities such as rebudgeting requests, no-cost extensions, financial corrections, and award closeouts using USC’s PeopleSoft system.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic research administration systems, enterprise financial systems, and familiarity with tools like Smartsheet preferred.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and training.

Strong organizational, communication, financial acumen, and problem-solving skills necessary.

Expected salary range: $44,296 - $60,000 for a full-time, 12-month position.

Position reports to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Research Operations Coordinator Full Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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.

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 27, 2026.

Posting Details

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Posting Summary

Logo
Posting Number	RTF00213PO26
USC Market Title	Administrative Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156185
Business Title (Internal Title)	Research Operations Coordinator
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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	11/01/2026
Position End Date	10/31/2027
Job Open Date	09/14/2026
Job Close Date	09/27/2026
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. We are only accepting applications submitted by September 27, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213100
EEO Statement	The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have at least 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?
- Yes
- No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter
Resume

Optional Documents

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Research Operations Coordinator

Edtech.com's Summary

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