Project Manager

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences is in search of a dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented individual to join a research team at the University of Southern California to manage several new studies at the Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their impacts on the environment and human health. Research studies investigate PFAS contamination near Superfund sites, PFAS impacts on liver and bone health, and other related topics.

The position requires high level, strategic collaboration with engineering and other specialized experts to integrate diverse expertise and drive interdisciplinary research forward. This position is responsible for coordinating all aspects of project implementation, regulatory compliance, and reporting. Key duties include managing Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and amendments to ensure approval for all human subjects’ research, maintaining data use agreements, and ensuring adherence to protocols.

The Project Manager also leads the preparation and timely submission of required reports, including annual Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs), sponsor updates, and other progress summaries as needed. Additional responsibilities include supporting investigators with grant and budget management, tracking project milestones, facilitating communication across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that data collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts align with overall study goals and federal guidelines. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational capabilities, excellent problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks. Prior experience managing research is required.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public health, environmental policy, sustainability, social science, or a related field with knowledge of PFAS or chemical exposure impacts.
• Prior experience managing research projects in an academic or public health setting.
• Demonstrated experience with federal grant proposal writing and submission processes.
• Strong knowledge of reporting requirements, including Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs), annual reports, and other sponsor updates.
• Proven ability to manage complex project timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple grants.
• Experience overseeing all administrative aspects of research studies, including IRB submissions, renewals, and amendments.
• Skilled in supervising and mentoring research staff, graduate students, and administrative personnel.
• Experience coordinating outreach and recruitment of research participants.
• Experience leading community engagement activities.
• Strong facilitation skills for meetings, workshops, and cross sector stakeholder collaborations.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams.

Founded in 2021, the Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) stands as one of the pioneering institutions in the field of environmental health and exposomics. Our work has positioned USC at the forefront of this emerging and dynamic research area. Our team of experts spans a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, cellular and computational biology, environmental engineering, and community-based participatory research.

The annual base salary range for this position is $94,888.81 - $105,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

Minimum Education: Master's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and project administration experience in specialized field represented by project