Unit Research Administrator

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.

This position is Grant-Funded. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

• 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.
• Keeps statistics on unit research activities.
• 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.
• 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.