Grant Administrator - Sponsored Programs

About the role

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Administration Office supports the institution's research mission by providing expert guidance in sponsored programs administration, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, and facilitating the successful management of research funding throughout the grant lifecycle. The Grant Administrator serves within the Research Administration Office to support proposal development, grant submission, award administration, and compliance activities. The Grant Administrator partners with Principal Investigators, departments, and funding agencies to ensure the accurate and compliant administration of sponsored projects. The Grant Administrator plays a critical role in advancing research initiatives and contributes directly to the success of externally funded programs across UT MD Anderson.

Responsibilities

• Review grant applications and budget proposals for accuracy and completeness
• Ensure compliance with sponsor, UT MD Anderson, state, and federal policies and regulations
• Verify compliance requirements prior to establishing awards
• Implement and interpret policies and regulations related to allowable costs and cost sharing
• Organize and triage proposals in conjunction with research teams to support grants and contract proposals
• Support related post-award business functions
• Review ongoing administration of grants within an assigned portfolio to assure compliance
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to review and monitor existing grants
• Build and maintain the institutional database through accurate pre-award data management
• Interpret complex award documentation to support sponsored project administration
• Assist in submitting accurate electronic proposals through sponsor-developed systems
• Support proposal submissions through Grants.gov
• Support proposal submissions through NSF FastLane
• Support proposal submissions through NIH Commons
• Support proposal submissions through CDMRP/DOD Army grant systems
• Ensure accurate proposal documentation and submission records are maintained
• Interact with departments and Principal Investigators regarding administrative requirements
• Advise stakeholders on budgetary and compliance requirements
• Serve as liaison between funding agencies and departments
• Counsel researchers and administrative staff regarding proposal preparation
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and regulations
• Assist with issue resolution related to grant administration and compliance matters
• Promote an environment of trust and open communication with faculty and staff
• Encourage collaboration and proactive engagement throughout the proposal process
• Stay informed regarding complex and evolving regulations affecting pre-award and post-award administration
• Maintain knowledge of federal guidance related to grants and cooperative agreements
• Keep current on electronic systems used for proposal submissions
• Share knowledge and best practices with colleagues within the Office of Sponsored Programs
• Collaborate on proposal applications and grant administration activities
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Supports colleagues in the OSP team by sharing knowledge, collaborating on applications, and engaging in continuing education opportunities

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting or related business field (required)
• Two years of experience in accounting, research administration, project management or related field OR one year of sponsored programs experience (required)
• Education may be substituted with equivalent experience on a one-to-one basis

Qualifications

• Preferred: 2 years of grant assistance experience within the Office of Sponsored Programs
• Preferred certifications: Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), or similar research administration certification

Skills

Strong knowledge of grant regulations, proposal preparation, compliance requirements, and electronic research administration systems.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
• Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays
• Wellness, childcare, and other leave options
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
• Voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs
• Medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition

Pay

Minimum $32.93/hour – Midpoint $41.11/hour – Maximum $49.28/hour

Minimum Salary: USD 68,500 – Midpoint Salary: USD 85,500 – Maximum Salary: USD 102,500