Research Administrator

Posting Details

Job Title Research Administrator Department Electrical & Computer Engineering Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Requisition Number S21064 Open Date 08/20/2020 Close Date Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 40 hour work week with flexible hours.

Benefits Eligible Yes Eligible for Overtime No Position Summary

Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department ( ECE ) is one of the largest departments in the School of Engineering and is globally known for extensive research across multiple disciplines including designing next-generation wireless networks, nanophotonics, terahertz laser spectroscopy, digital systems processing, neuroengineering, machine learning and data science, healthcare devices and analytics, and a plethora of other interests. The research administrator provides full administrative, analytical and operational support to faculty s/he is assigned to support. The research administrator is also responsible for providing full pre- and / or post-award support for research activities and services in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

The ideal candidate will have experience with the grant submission process, financial management experience, and have the ability to effectively interact and communicate with internal and external contacts.

We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated ability to lead and/or work collaboratively in teams comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

Please note that this is a 12 month, term limited position.

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Education Required Bachelor's Degree Major/Discipline Substitution for Education Requirement May substitute additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement. Education Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance.

Experience Required 3 years Type of Experience

Related administrative experience which includes some research administration experience (i.e grant proposal preparation and submission to various governmental agencies such as NSF, DOD, DOE, DARP, NIH, etc.).

Substitution for Experience Requirement May substitute additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the experience requirement. Experience Preferred

- Five years of experience in a higher education environment with proficiency in organizational financial management
- Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
- Experience with university policies and procedures
- Experience with website creation/maintenance

License/Certification Required License/Certification Preferred

Certified Research Administrator ( CRA )

Skills Required

- Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
- Working knowledge of research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies
- Organizational skills
- Customer service
- Problem-solving

Skills Preferred

- Excellent record keeping and data retrieval skills
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to prioritize and take initiative
- Attention to detail and accuracy, confidentiality, accountability
- Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Familiarity with online grant proposal submission systems (e.g. Fastlane, Grants.gov, NSPIRES, etc.) and an integrated financial
system (Banner, PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to craft clear, concise correspondence on a wide range of topics

Internal / External Contacts

Internal Contacts:: The incumbent works with a wide variety of individuals at Rice, including the Office of Research, Research and Cost Accounting, Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance, Development, etc.

External Contacts: The incumbent communicates with collaborators and sponsors, including members at other universities, governmental labs, industry, etc.

Physical Demands

- Must be able to work in an office environment, often at a computer workstation for much of the working day which consists of a flexible 40 hours per week
- Must be able to travel between buildings widely separated on a college campus
- Requires long period of sitting and working in front of a computer – up to eight hours per day

Working Conditions

Monday through Friday, 40 hour work week with flexible hours.

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425 , this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Posting http://jobs.rice.edu/postings/24375
Essential Functions

- Advises the Principal Investigator (PI) on administrative requirements in proposal preparation, and ensures guidelines are
followed for proposal formatting and submission requirements
- Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI
- Prepares forms for cost sharing, if applicable
- Monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information
- Ensures Subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI
- Verifies Cayuse record is complete and accurate and works with OSR for submission to sponsor
- Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for
financial and progress reports as needed
- Works with faculty to ensure all charges are allocated properly
- Identifies the need for and requests no-cost extensions
- Participates in account close out activities
- Serves as a liaison with OSR and RCA
- Manages and maintains records, files and reports
- Assists faculty with report preparation
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information

- Assists with purchasing of equipment, supplies, and travel, and ensures compliance with Sponsor requirements
- Organizes visits by Sponsors
- Assists with visa applications and Visitor Portal entry
- Schedules visits and assists with travel arrangements for research-related travel
- Books rooms, schedules meetings, and plans meetings and events as required
- Maintains student records and provides general administrative
- Coordinates with Rice’s Office of STEM Engagement for activity budgeting and reporting
- Completes Faculty Information System reporting



Job Duties