Job Description

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.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Local area,

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