Research Administrator (SPARC - Hybrid Schedule)

Department: MED-Office for Research (SPARC)

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Target hiring range for this position will be between $67,978-$95,595 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary

The Research Administrator provides administrative assistance and routine problem solving in support of the Sponsored Project and Research Catalyst’s (SPARC) research programs and mission as a shared service model within NUFSM. Provides administrative direction and intermediate problem solving in support of unit's research programs and mission. Dynamic portfolio may provide sole support to a small to mid-sized unit, or support a portion of activities in a larger unit. May provide lifecycle pre- & post-award research administration ensuring the fulfillment of all grant &/or contract & compliance requirements. Manages overall day-to-day research administration activities & may research & identify funding opportunities & faculty &/or PIs with associated research competencies & interests. Ensures that all activities are completed in compliance with associated local, state, federal & institutional rules & regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

Pre-Award

Manages pre-award administration of grants &/or contracts. Reviews solicitation and proactively resolves any issues/questions within the solicitation with OSR and/or sponsor. Coordinates large-scale proposals, teaming/collaboration agreements, confidentiality agreements, intellectual property agreements or user agreements. Manage representation of sub-recipients, cost sharing and administrative costs on a proposal. Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols. Prepares &/or reviews complete budget. Assesses the need for the redistribution of project F&A among multiple redistributed chartstrings.

Post-Award

Completes post-award administration of research grants &/or contracts. Reviews account establishment. Manages effort commitments of key project personnel. Approves high-value/high-risk expenditures. Interprets awards documents. Reviews and reports expenditures. Verifies processing of cost share transactions. Reviews award budget status with PIs. Provides data needed for interim and final financial and technical progress reports. Facilitates account close out activities, coordinating with ASRSP as needed. Establishes procedures at the small to mid-sized unit level related to post-award administration. Serves as liaison between department & OSR, ASRSP, IACUC, IRB, internal audit, funding & regulatory agencies, subcontractors, collaborators, institutes, centers, etc. Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration.

Financial

Oversees unit's entire sponsored project portfolio. Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge. Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.

Compliance

Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration. Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice. Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty. Resolves compliance problems & issues involving research safety, animal subjects and human subjects. Alerts supervisor to potential higher risk compliance issues.

Supervision

Supervises administrative or financial positions and/or mentor other administrative staff in research administration.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. 3 years research administration or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

Organization, time management, detail oriented Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress Collaborative team player Project Management

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Northwestern systems

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

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