Research Associate

USC’s Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI) is seeking a Research Associate to join its team at the Health Sciences Campus.

ZNI is the recipient of two large, multi-center, multi-year program project grants. This grant-funded position, under the guidance of Drs. Zlokovic and Toga, will develop business models to efficiently manage the program’s business activities including day-to-day activities, contractual agreements, allocation of funds, and regular income/expense reports. The candidate will be required to assist with the preparation and submission of all grant-related reporting for these projects and will work with the PIs, department, sponsor and institution to provide assistance involving regulatory affairs and IRB processes, including protocol submissions, subject recruitment and coordination of MRI/PET studies across 4 different sites (Washington University, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Mayo Clinic, USC).  This position is the point of contact for all non-scientific business and administrative tasks related to the above aims and will: manage post-award finances for these and other linked awards, including budgets and financial reports; reconciling and monitoring of personnel expenses; tracking of all subcontracts issued from USC; coordinate regular monthly meetings of the P01 Working Group, ad hoc and annual meetings with SAB members and prepare meeting materials; organize schedule and publicize our annual seminar series and handle all speaker-related issues including schedule meetings with program scientists, coordinate travel needs, etc.; assist with distribution of publications arising from the program among our personnel and by program co-investigators; handle shipments of samples from different sites; manage all processes and prepare progress reports.

This position will participate in the projects and be given the opportunity to plan and follow up on the progress of highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with supervisor.

Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports and will be part of the research team helping with research analysis as needed.

The ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously is required, along with strong customer service skills.  It would be helpful if the incumbent has knowledge of post-awards grant management. The ideal candidate is familiar and comfortable with being the point person for a complex program, communicating with PIs, all levels of staff as well as contacting supporting units like Contracts & Grants and Sponsored Project Accounting, both internal and external to USC. Working independently and with a supervisor, the role will be responsible for other duties as assigned.

This position assists the Director of ZNI, Director of Operations and the Senior Grants Administrator in managing high-level research studies projects and initiatives, as well as assists in the oversight and support of multiple research studies.

Plans, designs and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with supervisor. Analyzes research data and provides interpretations. Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records.

The annual base salary range for this position is $64,480- $80,000. 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.

Preferred Field of Expertise: project management, administrative reporting, grants administration Preferred Education: PhD, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Preferred Experience: 2-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a similar position Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.