Research Administrator

Job Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) encourages applications for two Research Administrators!

The Research Administrator in the first position will support two Natural Sciences departments. Examples of funding agencies include NSF, NASA, and DOE. The second position will support units in the Social Sciences with primary funding agencies including but not limited to NIH, CDC, and DoEd. Both positions are primarily responsible for assisting College faculty in the administration of current awards, including project start-up, account actions and reconciliations, personnel activities, and extensions and/or award closeout. Secondary duties will include assisting in the preparation and coordination of award proposals and other duties as assigned.

The expertise provided by the Research Administrator includes a) a solid understanding of federal administrative requirements and cost principles, state regulations, sponsor restrictions, and university fiscal policies b) a solid understanding of the administrative processes and procedures for the accounting and reconciliation of spending using grant funds; c) the ability to partner with OCG, CCO, CU Foundation, Service Centers, unit administrative support, Center directors, and the College to use their knowledge of federal and private sponsor regulations, state statutes, University policy, and project requirements in support of the investigators/faculty d) an understanding of the administrative processes and procedures for the preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals, both internal and external to the University e) an ability to synthesize information to help investigators navigate campus and federal processes f) an ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet firm due dates.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder is the intellectual core of the university, conducting research, scholarship, creative work, and education in more than 60 fields in the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. Our research generates new knowledge, solving some of the world’s most critical problems. The college leads nationally in undergraduate and graduate education, bringing world class research and scholarship to our students, both in and out of the classroom.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Post Award Administration

• Assist with all aspects of grant administration including but not limited to:
• Build and maintain a knowledge base of University, Federal, and funding agency policies and procedures. Oversee project start-up including pre-award spending allowability and the creation of At Risk Project STs when necessary, review award documents for terms and conditions and special requirements, and creation of sub-award SPOs.
• Serve as a resource in explaining a wide variety of sponsored projects funding mechanisms including grants, contracts, sub-contracts, fixed-price contracts, and gifts to department administration and faculty.
• Advise Principal Investigators on complicated or unusual projects and/or project requirements.
• Employ College and University processes and procedures for grant accounting and reconciliation of different account types including grants and contracts, sub-awards, cost-sharing, and Participant Support.
• Review transactions and documentation to determine, or work with the FSC to determine, that expenditures are within A&S, CU, sponsor, and federal standards and are: allowable, allocable, reasonable, and provide direct benefit to the award.
• Complete journal entries and budget journal entries.
• Maintain financial projections, reconcile projections monthly to University finance systems, and send reports to Principal Investigators.
• Create financial projects for a variety of scenarios.
• Provide oversight on personnel expenses and duration of appointments.
• Collaborate closely with campus HR and relevant departments to ensure that approved personnel appointments and changes on a given award are completed in a timely fashion.
• Work with OCG and CCO to coordinate sub-award modifications, At-Risk Extensions, No Cost Extensions, renewals, or other period of performance extensions, or to facilitate award closeouts including researching and documenting sensitive expenses, and assisting with property reports.
• Assist department in various other research-related actions.

Proposal Application Preparation and Coordination

• Proposal preparation, including budget and budget justification development, assistance with Current & Pending documents, and proposal project management.
• Partner with OCG in noting potential compliance issues (e.g. IRB, IACUC, COI) prior to proposal submission and ensure commitments such as cost share/matching are proper, approved, and documented.

Training

• Regularly attend University trainings and meetings as a departmental and College representative.
• Seek opportunities for professional development within and outside of the University.
• Work with other units to provide research administration training opportunities as requests arise and time permits.
• Assist in the development and implementation of improved procedures and systems for grants and contracts management.

What You Should Know

Currently, this position will work primarily in the office with the option to work remotely one day a week.

All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement . New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

Annual Salary Range is $60,000-$62,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements
Be flexible. Be resourceful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• 1 year of financial management experience including accounting, business administration, and /or human resources.
• 1 year of research contracts/grants administration.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suite and Google Drive Applications with advanced proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Excellence in establishing work priorities, providing follow-through, and meeting established due dates.
• Ability to maintain effective lines of communication including conflict resolution.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with sensitive information.
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• 3+ years of financial management experience in an academic, medical, or non-profit setting.
• 3+ years of research administration experience including federal and/or private sponsors.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel.
• CRA certification.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2021. This position is open until filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu