The University of Chicago is hiring a Post-Award Research Specialist to execute a range of activities supporting the University Research Administration. You will be responsible for all financial and non-financial post-award activities for sponsored projects, acting as a key liaison to sponsors for assigned departments and units.
What You'll Do
- Distribute awards through AURA, establishing accounts in the financial system and updating records.
- Process concurrence requests and continuations in AURA, ensuring cost share is properly established and reported.
- Direct the preparation of, monitor, and approve sponsor-required fiscal and management reports.
- Prepare and/or review billing reports and request invoices as appropriate.
- Review and approve cost transfers and assist the billing area to claim payments.
- Partner with business units to monitor post-award activities, such as submitting progress reports and requesting no-cost extensions.
- Implement actions to proactively avoid problems with accounts.
- Manage all close-out activities for sponsored projects, coordinating between the PI, department, and sponsor.
- Administer and/or coordinate project transfers and closeouts when a faculty member leaves the University.
- Communicate and collaborate with University departments to facilitate a smooth transition throughout the full project life cycle.
- Assist colleagues to ensure timely service, performing backup duties during absences.
- Provide professional assistance with the administration and coordination of proposals and awards.
- Maintain correspondence between agencies and the University community to obtain and process necessary pre- and post-award information.
- Review and process various pre- and post-award activities.
- Help obtain sponsor approvals for major changes to project scope.
- Transmit proposals, manage post-award administration, gather and submit closeout documentation, and maintain records.
What We're Looking For
- College or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice to Have
- Bachelor's degree in business or a liberal arts field.
- Extensive prior experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic environment.
- Background and experience working with Federal National Laboratories.
- Experience interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices, and fiscal reporting.
- Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations.
- Proficiency in University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, and Workday.
- Strong computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite required).
- Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.
- Ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and regulations to ensure accurate response.
- Ability to review sponsor guidelines and manage awards in compliance with university and sponsor policies.
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity, and minimal supervision.
- Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty.
- Ability to make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on project management.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous and professional demeanor.
- Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion.
- Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
- Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues.
- Ability to stay current with technology and digital tools.
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.
Technical Stack
- Huron Research Suite
- Oracle Cloud
- Workday
- Microsoft Office suite
- Adobe suite
Team & Environment
You will be a member of a team within University Research Administration.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary range: $73,000 - $93,000
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position based in Chicago, IL.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
