at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job ID50140
LocationEvanston, Illinois
Department: WCAS Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/9
Job Summary:
The Senior Research Administrator position will support the Department of Physics & Astronomy reporting to the Manager of Research Administration in the Weinberg College Dean's Office. Using extensive research administration experience, manages overall day-to-day research administration activities including proposal development, award management, and assisting with award closeout responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of applicable sponsored research experience combined with the ability to demonstrate learning agility, practice active listening, have solid written and verbal communication skills, and be composed under deadlines. This role requires an understanding of federal grants and the capability to navigate federal policies and University guidelines around sponsored research.Candidates should be able to research, and problem solve complex issues.
The position offers the flexibility of On-Site or Hybrid options. Hybrid can be on-site on the Evanston campus one to two days per week.Join a supportive and collaborative group of research administrators in Weinberg College in advancing the research mission of the University.
The Research Administrator/Sr. Research Administrator position is a multi-level position. Dependent on the minimum qualifications, this position could be offered at either level.
Specific Responsibilities:
Complexity
Typically administers multiple research projects such as:
Single Principal Investigator (PI) proposals, grants &/or contracts
Complex multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants &/or contracts
Research portfolio for a more complex small to mid-sized unit
Sponsors include: NASA, NSF, DOE, Foundations and Industry
Center or program grants
Proposals with cost sharing
Fixed-price contracts
Non-funded negotiations such as NDAs, user agreements
Pre-Award
Manages pre-award administration of grants and &/or contracts.
Coordinates proposal submission.
Coordinates budget and justification preparation.
Completes sponsor and university proposal forms.
Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols; sub-recipients, facilities, administrative costs, space, and co-investigator agreements.
Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions.
Post-Award
Coordinates post-award administration of research grants and/or contracts
Reviews account establishment.
Interprets award documents
Completes expenditure reviews.
Verifies cost share entries.
Provides data needed for interim & final financial reports.
Facilitates account close out activities, coordinating with ASRSP as needed.
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.
Human Resources
Provides research administration training.
Develops staff.
Mentors other administrative staff in research administration.
Compliance
Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration.
Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with supervisor & faculty.
Supervision
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Organization, time management, detail oriented
Multi-tasking, communication
Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
Excellent written and verbal communication
Familiarity with Excel, including formulas
The 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.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at 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... For full info follow application link.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
