Responsibilities
Support services for research investigators are described in the attached documents. If you have any question as to “who does what” contact the Office of Research: 213-740-6709.
Responsibilities of Investigators & Research Administrators
Download the USC Research Partnership Memo
Download the Roles and Responsibilities Matrix for Research Administration
Responsible Unit for Each Type of Contract
Download the Contract Responsibilities for Handling Agreements
Authorized Signatories
List of School Authorized Dean’s Signature Designees for Sponsored Project Approvals
Directory of Frequent USC Research Contacts
Download the Directory
Guide to Research at USC
Download the Guide to Research
The Guide has been developed by the Office of Compliance and the Office of Research as a ready reference on university processes for: (1) proposal submission, (2) account establishment, (3) research management, (4) closeout, and (5) research education. Please print and save a copy as a reference for your research related questions.
Foundation Clearances
Investigators who are planning to submit a request for funding to a foundation or other philanthropic organization must notify the University Advancement Office of Foundation Relations, and determine whether an official clearance from is required from Foundation Relations.
Responsibilities of Research Administration Units
Department of Contracts and Grants: proposal submission, award negotiation, sub-awards, account set-up and account close-out, ensuring that our grants and contracts are consistent with university standards for academic freedom, research ethics and fiscal responsibility.
DC Office of Research Advancement: assistance in proposal development for centers, program projects or other large interdisciplinary proposals.
Department of Disbursement Control & Accounts Payable is responsible for processing and distributing payments to subcontractors.
Department of Purchasing Services is responsible for processing reimbursements, Independent Consultant Agreements, and issuing Purchasing Orders for subcontracts.
USC Research Frequent Contacts
Health Research Association (HRA): industry sponsored clinical trials.
Office of Compliance: ITAR and other export restrictions, conflict of interest disclosures, research compliance education.
Sponsored Projects Accounting: submission of financial reports and invoicing.
University Advancement: gift agreements (i.e., an agreement where an organization or individual asks for no work product, intellectual property or any other item of value in exchange for funding).
USC Stevens Center for Innovation: licensing of intellectual property, material transfer agreements, confidential disclosure agreements and assistance with start-ups.