The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work.
The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Coordinator I in the Center for Economic and Social Research. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
About the role
The Understanding America Study (UAS) is a nationally representative research platform collecting survey, behavioral, and biometric data to inform health, economics, and daily life research. As part of a new initiative, UAS will equip 10,000 participants with Fitbit devices in six months, and follow them for 2-3 years.
The Research Project Coordinator I will manage the operational backbone of this effort: shipments, device tracking, connection monitoring, participant support, and help desk troubleshooting. The role requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, interpersonal communication, and ability to manage high-volume, time-sensitive workflows that advance cutting-edge research.
This is a fixed-term position.
Key responsibilities
- Project logistics: Coordinate participant onboarding to meet weekly device distribution/activation targets.
- Mailing operations: Verify addresses, generate labels, track shipments, and manage re-ships and returns.
- Inventory tracking: Maintain accurate records of device serial numbers, shipments, and stock; flag discrepancies early.
- Data monitoring: Track device connections, troubleshoot syncing issues, and document resolutions.
- Help desk & troubleshooting: Serve as the first point of contact for participant inquiries; resolve or escalate issues related to devices, syncing, and account setup.
- Participant communication: Send reminders, respond to support inquiries, and log interactions per protocol.
- Documentation & compliance: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures; ensure IRB and privacy compliance.
- Reporting: Deliver weekly progress updates and metrics.
- Team collaboration: Work with researchers, IT staff, and student assistants to keep operations on track.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (ideally with 2+ years in logistics, operations, or research coordination).
- Ability to converse through phone or email communications with participants from various backgrounds and education levels.
- Proven ability to manage high-volume workflows.
- Strong attention to detail and process discipline.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets; comfort with mail merges and data cleaning and quality controls
- Proficiency in use of smartphones, tablets, digital apps, and wearable devices across both iOS and Android operating systems
Preferred qualifications
- Previous experience in clinical research or large-scale human studies, wearables, or participant engagement.
- Familiarity with IRB/HIPAA.
- Spanish language
Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $28.20 - $35.90. 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.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Required Documents and Additional Information:
- Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
- Fixed-term position with hybrid flexibility.
- Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
- USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Administrative or research experience. Working knowledge of MS Office applications. Demonstrated effective communication and writing skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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