Post-Award Research Administrator I

Post-Award Research Administrator I

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Post-Award Research Administrator I.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division Office of Research Administration Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date October 16, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Post-Award Research Administrator I supports the financial and administrative management of externally funded sponsored projects within the central Office of Research Support and Development at an R1 university with approximately $100M in annual external funding. The position supports faculty and departmental research administrators with the lifecycle management of awards, from account setup through closeout, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). This position works collaboratively with faculty, departmental staff, and central staff to perform transactional and analytical functions which include but is not limited to expenditure review, financial monitoring, invoicing, reporting, budget management, and audit support.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards, supporting financial oversight and administration throughout the award lifecycle from setup through closeout.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and departmental staff by interpreting financial policies, award terms, and compliance requirements, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Review, reconcile, and monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and 2 CFR 200, ensuring costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
• Analyze award financial activity, identify variances or potential issues, and provide recommendations to support effective stewardship of sponsored funds.
• Prepare and/or review sponsor invoices, billing submissions, and financial reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with award terms and conditions.
• Assist with budget management, including rebudgeting actions, cost transfers, and sponsor prior approval requests in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain award financial records in institutional systems, ensuring proper setup of billing, reporting, and cost share requirements.
• Monitor subrecipient financial activity, including review of invoices and documentation to ensure compliance with subaward agreements and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Support financial closeout of awards, ensuring all reporting, reconciliations, and final deliverables are completed in accordance with sponsor and institutional deadlines.
• Contribute to process improvement, internal controls, and audit readiness efforts, supporting effective and compliant research administration operations.
• Participate in training and professional development related to research administration, including sponsor updates, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Office of Research Support and Development and the University's research mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field. One (1) year of experience in financial analysis, accounting, compliance, or administrative support.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor regulations, including Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, to ensure compliance with the financial management of sponsored awards
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to review financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in financial reporting, invoicing, and expenditure review
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of sponsored projects
• Proficiency with financial and administrative systems, including PeopleSoft, Workday, Ellucian, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn new research administration tools and technologies

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field. One (1) year of experience in an academic, nonprofit, or government setting. One (1) year of experience interpreting and applying complex regulations. One (1) year of experience in sponsored programs, grants management, or higher education administration.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.