Job Description
This position is responsible for reviewing, administering, auditing and accounting for assigned contracts and awards made to USF from external sponsors (e.g., Federal, state, and private industry.); monitors sponsored research projects for regulatory and statutory compliance and proper fulfillment of sponsor and University commitments made in the agreement. Responsible for assisting departmental contacts such as faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), and administrative staff by providing budget and financial information for the sponsored project, giving guidance and direction on proper budget/expenditure procedures and financial control.Minimum Qualifications
The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of research administration or other professional administrative experience directly related to the position; or a Master's degree. Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.
• 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:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• 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.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Additional Information for Applicants
This position requires a Level I background check.
Hiring salary range: $56,966 - $71,207.50Working at USF
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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.
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About USF
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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 .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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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.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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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.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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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.The responsibilities for this position include:
Reviews contract terms and conditions to ensure reporting time frames and requirements are communicated at the on-set of the project. Builds appropriate and complete recordkeeping controls to maintain the University's official records of a sponsored research project. Accurately sets up the grant budget, including cost sharing, and all documentation and responsibilities required by the sponsoring agency to the PIs and associated grant staff.
Prepares invoices, manages the sponsor billing process and generates budget reports per the contractual requirements of the sponsoring agency.
Monitors and verifies any payroll and non-payroll expenditure transfers, budget transfers, tuition charges, extra compensation, and other budget transactions on the grant. Reviews and confirms the eligibility of these budget transactions and evaluates the effect each has on effort reporting and cost sharing commitments.
Monitors cash, budget, and expenses and is responsible for the overall financial management of projects to ensure these transactions are in agreement with the awarded contract terms and USF's policies and objectives.
Establishes cost sharing budgets and expenditure plans in appropriate University systems (FAST/BANNER). Provides assistance with modifications to budget items.
Serves as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, academic administrators, faculty members, PIs, University Payroll, Office of Research, and other areas within the University Controller's office on all sponsored project financial matters and assists with resolving any grant budgetary problems.
Performs other duties as assigned.