Washington University in St. Louis is hiring a Grants Specialist II (Remote) - Biochemistry

Washington University in St. Louis is hiring a Grants Specialist II for the Biochemistry department to play a vital role in the sponsored project life cycle. This remote position supports faculty, center directors, and staff throughout the pre-award stage, ensuring proposals adhere to sponsor guidelines and are successfully submitted.

What You'll Do

• Perform pre-award duties in response to specific proposal guidelines and terms.
• Work directly with faculty in proposal preparation and submission.
• Manage budgeting, analysis, and justifications for proposals; gather information for protocols and non-technical components.
• Serve as a liaison between the Chair, Faculty, and Department Administrators (DAs).
• Stay current on federal and university developments regarding research administration.
• Coordinate submission, prepare budgets with the PI, and obtain pricing quotes.
• Compile and ensure accurate regulatory compliance of data from various sources.
• Work with the Principal Investigator to compile and submit the entire grant.
• Prepare and review all agency forms for submission.
• Enter grant budgeting documents online as needed.
• Obtain PI and institutional signatures for proposal submissions.
• Initiate subaward setup through the SUBS system, uploading documents for Post-award.
• Coordinate with Post-award and OSRS to ensure timely contract implementation via SUBS.
• Provide internal notice of award (NOA) to SPA and PI, noting special terms and committed effort.
• Monitor and work with PI to submit annual agency reports like RPPRs.
• Team with the Post-Award unit on revised budgets.
• Oversee the proper transfer of PI grants and contracts into Wash U.
• Coordinate support for internal and external requests for grant-related information.
• Track and maintain an online database of grants submitted, awarded, and rejected.
• Serve as responsible for closure of sponsored projects accounts.
• Submit final progress reports and invention statements to the appropriate agency.
• Follow up with PI to facilitate submission of delinquent reports.
• Manage and monitor sponsored projects budgets, ensuring timely expenditures and reconciliation.
• Approve purchasing documents and guide staff on grant-appropriate expenditures.
• Check for accuracy and provide complex troubleshooting for fund profile setups and financial reports.
• Prepare monthly financial reports on all research accounts and discuss with PIs and leadership.
• Assist DA in reconciling funds and monitoring spending levels, overdrafts, and cost sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting senior leadership with special projects.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and/or experience that substitutes for the minimum education.
• 2 years of relevant experience.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of RMS (Research Management System) and SUBS.
• Knowledge of agency guidelines.
• Accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, and Workday Software.
• Skills in analytical thinking, computerized accounting, computer literacy, deadline management, grant administration, IBM Cognos Analytics, interpersonal communication, learning new technologies, maintaining composure, and oral and written communication.

Technical Stack

• RMS (Research Management System)
• SUBS
• Microsoft Office Suite
• IBM Cognos Analytics
• Workday Software

Team & Environment

Supports faculty, center directors, and staff. Serves as liaison between Chair, Faculty, and Department Administrators (DAs).

Benefits & Compensation

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges and annual enrollment.
• Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Work Mode

This is a remote position.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.