About

Research Operations

The Research Operations department works within the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation and supports the operational needs of the Research and Innovation enterprise. The mission of the Research Operations unit is to provide timely and accurate services to achieve efficient and smooth operations across the USF Research & Innovation departments. The Research Operations department which includes the Budgeting, Purchasing and Front Desk Operations, Embedded Human Resources, Research Information Systems and Research Events groups, oversees all financial aspects of department operations, provides direction and strategic Human Resources management for all departments, manages USF Research & Innovation events and delivers technological solutions to achieve the business objectives of USF’s research enterprise.

Contact Research Operations 

The unit works in close contact with the Vice President for Research and the leadership of each department to ensure operational transactions are completed timely and accurately and within university guidelines. The unit interfaces with the USFRI operational departments for transactions that involve the following areas:

Budgeting & Financial Administration

The Budgeting team oversees the financial management of USFRI’s operating departments, ensuring compliance with university policies and financial directives. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and managing department budgets, expenses, and financial projections.
• Developing budget templates and consolidating data for the USFRI annual budget.
• Monitoring expenditures throughout the fiscal year and generating monthly variance reports to track spending trends.
• Managing the Facilities & Administrative (F&A) collections and distribution, including preparing the annual F&A Distribution Schedule to allocate funds to colleges and units.
• Overseeing internal awards programs, including Faculty Research Council Awards and Strategic Investment Pool (SIP) Awards.
• Administering financial commitments made by USFRI to support research and scholarly activities across USF.
• Providing ad hoc financial reporting to support university leadership in research-related decision-making.
• Overseeing financial aspects of grants management for research contracts awarded to the Office of the VP for Research.
• Managing Research Initiative Accounts (RIA), including monitoring balances and advising on allowable expenditures.
• Administering cash advances for research projects as needed.

Embedded Human Resources (HR) Management

The CHR Embedded HR team provides strategic HR management for USFRI departments, ensuring compliance with university policies while fostering a supportive work environment. Responsibilities include:

• Recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of research administration staff.
• Managing classification & compensation, employee relations, and performance management.
• Overseeing personnel actions and ensuring alignment with HR policies and procedures.
• Providing guidance on organizational development to enhance department efficiency.

Business Operations & Front Desk 

The Business Operations & Front Desk team ensures that all financial transactions align with USF’s procurement policies and procedures. The Front Desk team serves as the first point of contact for USFRI, providing administrative support and facilitating smooth daily operations. Key functions include:

• Processing requisitions and purchase orders for USFRI, including contractual agreements and building lease services.
• Managing purchases over $1,000, ensuring proper approval and compliance.
• Assisting with office logistics and ensuring efficient departmental communication.
• Supporting faculty and staff with inquiries related to administrative procedures.
• Managing scheduling and coordination of essential office functions.

Research Information Systems

The Research Information Systems (RIS) unit within the Research Operations department is dedicated to providing technological solutions that enhance research administration. RIS designs, develops, and maintains enterprise-wide systems that streamline processes, improve compliance, and support the strategic goals of the university’s research community.

What We Do

Enterprise Research Applications

RIS supports and maintains critical research administration systems that facilitate seamless communication between researchers and administrators. These applications manage key functions such as proposal development, grants administration, compliance tracking, human and animal research protocols, research safety, and financial conflict of interest disclosures. By integrating with USF’s enterprise systems (NetID, PeopleSoft GEMS, FAST), RIS ensures that up-to-date information is readily available to the USF research community.

Custom Application Development & Business Process Optimization

Beyond maintaining existing systems, RIS works closely with USFRI departments to develop custom applications that meet evolving research needs. Using the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodology, we analyze requirements, design tailored solutions, and implement innovative technologies that enhance efficiency. Additionally, we assist with business process redesign, helping departments identify opportunities for automation and workflow optimization.

Data Security, Disaster Recovery & Continuity

As custodians of USF’s research data, RIS prioritizes security and operational continuity by implementing best-in-class cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and antivirus protections. Our team proactively monitors systems, applies security patches, and collaborates with campus security experts to assess potential vulnerabilities. To ensure business continuity, RIS provides data backup, disaster recovery, and offsite storage solutions, safeguarding critical information against unexpected data loss.

Reporting & Analytics

RIS collects and analyzes data from our research applications to generate detailed reports that support research administration. Whether through web-based reports or ad-hoc requests, our analytics help with trend forecasting, compliance audits, and performance assessments, ensuring that research administration decisions are data-driven.

IT Support & Asset Management

RIS provides technical support for research faculty and staff, offering assistance with IT setup, troubleshooting, and system access. Through our Service Desk, we manage and resolve technical issues related to workstations, applications, network resources, and A/V equipment. Additionally, RIS oversees IT asset management, ensuring that hardware and software remain up-to-date, compliant, and optimized for performance.

Research Information Services is committed to advancing research administration through technology, delivering reliable and innovative solutions that empower researchers and administrators across USF. Our team continuously adapts to emerging research needs, ensuring that USF remains at the forefront of research excellence.

Research Events

The USFRI Conference and Events Planning Team offers a range of services designed to support USFRI staff in organizing and executing impactful academic and professional events. Whether you're planning a conference, symposium, workshop, or any other research-related gathering, the team provides expertise in event logistics, including venue selection, scheduling, and coordination of resources. The team ensures that all aspects of your event run smoothly, from registration management and program schedules to audiovisual support and speaker coordination, allowing you to focus on delivering your content and engaging with attendees.

Conference and Events Intake Form 

Additionally, the Conference and Events Planning Team can assist with event promotion by working closely with the Marketing and Communications Team to craft a tailored marketing strategy. This includes identifying target audiences, designing promotional materials, and selecting the most effective communication channels for your event. They also provide guidance in creating a post-event evaluation to assess the event's success, gather feedback, and pinpoint areas for improvement in future events. With a focus on fostering innovation and collaboration, they help create an environment where ideas thrive and researchers can effectively showcase their work, ensuring your event is a success from start to finish.