Research Administrator, Office of Research Administration, School of Medicine

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here: https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/


Position Summary:


As a member of the School of Medicine (SOM) Research Administration team, the selected candidate for this position will be responsible for providing direct pre- and post award administrative support to investigators conducting medical research in a variety of departments, and centers at VCU.

The selected candidate will assist researchers and study teams in the development and successful submission of proposals for research funding, as well as provide compliant financial and administrative management of funded grants and contracts. This position provides an opportunity for candidates with some research administration experience to grow those skills in a fast-paced, diverse environment. The position will also present opportunities for career growth in the field of research administration for those presenting a willingness and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty and staff across all School of Medicine departments.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess minimum 2 years of direct research administration experience in the areas of proposal development, financial management, effort reporting, and/or post-award management, including a working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards.

Must have skills or ability to acquire new skills in the following areas: analyze financial transactions for trends and variances; create reports, tracking tools, and professional documents; budget development; expense forecasting; financial reconciliation; ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms; pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed.

Must have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Must be precise, thorough, and reliable and perform daily activities with minimal supervision. Must be proficient in the use of computers with an ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe required. Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment required.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree strongly preferred. Prior experience in administrative and financial management in an academic setting (to include a working knowledge of state/university purchasing, travel, personnel administration policies and procedures) will be preferred. Additionally, general understanding of IRB and IACUC policies pertaining to regulatory requirements in animal and human research is a plus.

Position will remain open until filled.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Salary Range: commensurate with experience



Position Details:

Department: Office of Research Administration
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

University Job Title: Research Administrator (34211)

ORP Eligibility: No

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Meredith Lane

Contact Email: mlane2@vcu.edu