Associate Research Administrator

Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Target hiring range for this position will be between$56,780-$73,200. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary

Provides administrative assistance and routine problem-solving in support of the unit's research programs and mission.Assistance may include the preparation &/or submission of routine research proposals, grants &/or contracts according to standard practice &/or general instruction.May assist with &/or complete proposal submissions, prepare information used in grant budgets, process and project financial transactions, &/or effort reporting activities.

Specific Responsibilities

Complexity

• Typically administers entire research projects such as:
• Single Principal Investigator (PI) basic proposals, grants &/or contracts
• May assist with components of multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants &/or contracts
• NIH RO1-approximately $250K/yr. over 5 yrs.
• NIH R21-approximately $150K/yr. over 2 yrs.
• Foundation grants
• NSF grants
• Fellowships

• Completes pre-award administration of grant &/or contract activities.
• Reviews solicitation & determines necessary components.
• Organizes proposal, renewal and resubmission applications.
• Completes NU OSR forms.
• Completes entire application for smaller, less-complicated, simple, standard proposals.

• Completes post-award administration of research grants &/or contracts.
• Reviews account establishment.
• Reviews expenditures.
• Tracks formal re-budgeting.
• Coordinates core resource account setup and maintenance.
• Provides data needed for the preparation of interim and final financial and technical progress reports.
• Participates in account close out activities.
• Monitors project under spending and overspending.
• Communicates with PI, other unit and project personnel, OSR, ASRSP and/or sponsor accordingly.

• Reviews &/or approves transactions.
• Reconciles standard budget & payroll information ensuring that appropriate sponsored accounts are charged.
• Prepares payroll journals to enter or correct funding of salary from sponsored projects.
• Prepares and coordinates signatures on 90 day letters required when transactions are not timely.

• Processes paperwork associated with hiring & termination of employees and orient new employees.

• Resolves standard & routine compliance problems & issues involving associated NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration.
• Becomes familiar with regulations involving research safety, animal subjects and human subjects.
• Alerts supervisor to potential higher risk compliance issues including research safety, animal subjects and human subjects.

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 1 year financial or administrative support experience in a research environment or other relevant experience.

• Organization, time management, detail oriented
• Multi-tasking, communication
• Self-starter, diplomatic, and pro-active

• Demonstrated experience with research grant administration.
• Prior experience collaborating with physician-scientists and research PIs.

• Proficiency in FASIS, myHR, CERES, NUPAD, Smartsheet, and Sharepoint.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Precise and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong planning, organization and time management skills are necessary.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .