Assistant Director, Research Operations (Neuroscience)

Location: 220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York 14620, United States (Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute).

Responsibilities

Provides oversight and management of the day‑to‑day operations of the research staff for the Department of Neuroscience and the Del Monte Institute. Investigates and gathers information on available research grants and opportunities. Collaborates with leadership to direct all facets and phases of financial and administrative management, including general appropriation, endowment, federal and non‑federal grants and contracts, and gift funds. Prepares financial reports and statements. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating performance of staff. Communicates effectively with sponsors, researchers, and industry partners to move projects toward successful completion. Ensures an adequate balance between research mission and fiscal responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

• Manages and directs the day‑to‑day operations of research staff in the Department of Neuroscience and Del Monte Institute.
• Develops, documents, and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensures adherence to established SOPs.
• Plans and directs the administrative and financial support for research activities to effectively manage available resources.
• Takes initiative to continuously improve operational and financial performance with effective decision‑making, planning, and implementation skills.
• Manages and directs a team of research staff, overseeing hiring, onboarding, training, and mentoring; independently evaluates workloads and distributes responsibilities.
• Accountable for the technical and professional performance of staff; conducts performance evaluations, provides counseling and corrective feedback; develops initiatives to support employee professional development.
• Oversees, implements, and monitors all grant, institutional, endowment and gift account budgets and reporting; ensures appropriate fiscal controls and systems are followed; conducts rigorous expenditure review and implements corrections as needed.
• Manages the post‑award portfolio by meeting with Principal Investigators, research staff, and others to review budget status, account ledgers and financial responsibilities; makes recommendations regarding staff allocations and spending priorities; reviews Notices of Award for accuracy and impacts to project.
• Manages invoicing of sponsors, subcontracts, and administration of other financial transactions; works with Principal Investigators on progress report submissions, term extensions, and grant close‑out.
• Monitors funding changes and project end dates to identify gaps and suggest new funding opportunities or reassign underfunded grant personnel; prepares and maintains projections for various awards and reports of expenditures.
• Oversees research administration projects and all aspects of the pre‑award process to ensure compliance and successful submission of sponsored research proposals; provides leadership and expert guidance to faculty, PIs, and staff in preparation of applications, budgets, and documentation.
• Interprets and applies institutional, governmental, and sponsor policies and regulations; reviews funding announcements, protocols, and sponsor requirements; develops and negotiates budgets with industry and external partners; ensures timely proposal submissions.
• Serves as liaison to sponsors and University offices, promoting clear communication, adherence to deadlines, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Oversees departmental compliance reviews and provides education and resources to support best practices in research administration and regulatory compliance.
• Collects and reports statistics on sponsored projects for the department and centers; provides routine reporting at department and committee meetings; reports to leadership regarding fiscal management, projected surpluses/deficits, changes in faculty research efforts, and potential shortfalls.
• Analyzes trends and closes out accounts in a timely manner.
• Collaborates with leadership to develop and execute the department’s strategic initiatives; develops understanding of targeted research interests and shares funding opportunities with faculty.
• Uses problem solving and creative thinking to overcome barriers to optimizing research operations.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with providers, study teams, participants, PIs, research staff, and sponsoring and regulatory agencies.
• Participates on internal and external committees to stay apprised of the research landscape.
• Other projects and job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience in clinical research and/or program management (required).
• Master’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage significantly complex projects and design and implement new programs.
• Ability to analyze, condense, and synthesize information and provide accurate analysis and summaries.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proven strategic planning skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and follow established protocols and procedures.
• Previous leadership experience, including team management.
• Experience working with a diverse audience.
• Experience working with Development.

Licenses & Certifications

• CLASP Certification required within the first 6 months of employment (preferred).

Pay

Compensation range: $86,900.00 – $130,300.00 annually. Individual salaries will be set within this range based on market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 scheduled weekly hours. Work shift: UR – Day.