Research Administrator

Apply for Job Job ID 50247Location Chicago, IllinoisAdd to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department:

MED-Mesulam Ctr Cog Neur & AlzSalary/Grade:

EXS/8

Job Summary:The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center is a multi-departmental component of the Feinberg School of Medicine. We specialize in the clinical care and scientific study of neurological diseases that interfere with cognition and behavior. Areas of emphasis include age-related memory impairments and dementias. We are focused on Alzheimer's disease, Primary Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia. Our three interacting missions are to investigate the causes and clinical characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases, to ensure that our patients are the beneficiaries of the latest research advances, and to explore the neural foundations of behavior and cognition in health and disease.Provides administrative leadership by incorporating a significant amount of experience in support of unit's research programs and mission. May provide sole support to a small to mid-sized unit, or support a portion of activities in a larger unit. Using extensive research administration experience within the same unit, coordinates all aspects of multiple grant &/or contract pre- & post-award activities. Assists in developing new funding opportunities & strategic plans regarding grants &/or contracts by providing guidance & counsel in regard to grant &/or contract administration which includes attending internal & external meetings, interpreting clauses, reviewing contracts, & resolving reporting &/or expense problems. Reviews associated policy & procedures & recommends changes to increase productivity & effectiveness.Please note: Supervisor provides objectives & deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective & deadlines & overall compliance with policy & procedures. EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters, &/or far-reaching implications.EE uses some judgment to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies &/or procedures & a moderate degree of innovation, analysis & reasoning to completeAs time and budget allows:New-"Brown Bag"-Interested in becoming an RA?Need more "How To:" sessions such as:Fill out internal & external paperworkCreate & review budgetReview sponsor guidelinesRead a solicitationFive University Business Processes classes (HR700, HR705, HR715, HR725, HR740)New-"Brown Bag"-Interested in becoming an RA?NU-ORI-Res Dam Training sessionSCS course: Grantsmanship for the Research ProfessionalNCURA-National Council of University Research Administrators/SRA - Society of Research Administrators International (regional or national meetings)ASRSP effort reporting 101NU Financials budget reconciliation and reportingAudit & Advisory best practicesSpecific Responsibilities

:ComplexityTypically administers multiple research projects such as:Pre-AwardManages pre-award administration of grants &/or contracts.Reviews solicitation and proactively resolves any issues/questions within the solicitation with OSR and/or sponsor.Establishes procedures at the small to mid-sized unit level related to pre-award administration.Coordinates large-scale proposals, teaming/collaboration agreements, confidentiality agreements, intellectual property agreements or user agreements.Manage representation of sub-recipients, cost sharing and administrative costs on a proposal.Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols.Prepares &/or reviews complete budget.Assesses the need for the redistribution of project F&A among multiple redistributed chartstrings.Post-AwardCompletes post-award administration of research grants &/or contracts.Reviews account establishment.Manages effort commitments of key project personnel.Approves high-value/high-risk expenditures.Interprets awards documents.Reviews and reports expenditures.Verifies processing of cost share transactions.Reviews award budget status with PIs.Provides data needed for interim and final financial and technical progress reports.Facilitates account close out activities, coordinating with ASRSP as needed.Establishes procedures at the small to mid-sized unit level related to post-award administration.Serves as liaison between department & OSR, ASRSP, IACUC, IRB, internal audit, funding & regulatory agencies, subcontractors, collaborators, institutes, centers, etc.Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration.FinancialOversees unit's entire sponsored project portfolio.Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge.Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.Human ResourcesProcesses paperwork associated with hiring & termination of employees.Orients new employees.Sets-up faculty &/or post doc appointments &/or completes VISA paperwork.Provides training to technical and administrative staff in unit regarding research administration. .ComplianceEnsures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration.Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice.Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty.Resolves compliance problems & issues involving research safety, animal subjects and human subjects.Alerts supervisor to potential higher risk compliance issues.SupervisionSupervises administrative or financial positions and/or mentor other administrative staff in research administration.MiscellaneousPerforms other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications: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.3 years research administration or other relevant experience required.Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)Organization, time management, detail orientedMulti-tasking, communicationSelf-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stressManaging peopleAction oriented - Willing or likely to take practical action to deal with a problem or situation.Coachability - Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.Collaboration - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team.Collegiality - Helpful, respectful, approachable; builds strong working relationships and a positive work environment.Initiative - Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.Meets deadlines - Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.Multi-tasking - Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.Organization - Plans, organizes, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail.Preferred Qualifications:Master's Degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field3 years of research administration experienceOperation/programmatic management experiencePreferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)Accounting / Account Reconciliation - Understands and interprets financial statements and reports; reconciles financial recordsGrant Administration - Manages grant application process; prepares and monitors budget; administers pre and post-award.Customer Focus - Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customerCollaboration - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.Target hiring range for this position will be between $70,017-$98,462 per year. 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.Benefits:At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! 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 strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on

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