Research Administrator (Hybrid Role - SPARC)

Specific Responsibilities

• Administers multiple research projects such as single PI proposals, grants &/or contracts, multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, NIH U-, NIH P-, NIH T- awards, center or program grants, and fixed-price contracts.
• Manages pre-award administration, including reviewing solicitations and resolving issues with OSR and/or sponsors, establishing procedures at the unit level, coordinating large-scale proposals, and managing cost sharing and administrative costs.
• Completes post-award administration, overseeing account establishment, effort commitments, high-value/high-risk expenditures, interpreting award documents, and facilitating account close-out activities.
• Serves as liaison between the department and various stakeholders, including OSR, ASRSP, IACUC, IRB, internal audit, funding agencies, subcontractors, collaborators, institutes, centers, etc.
• Participates in improving research administration through involvement in university committees related to research administration.

Financial

• Oversees the unit's entire sponsored project portfolio and reviews transactions to resolve issues requiring complex financial understanding, such as cost-sharing and effort reporting.
• Provides information to senior management for department budgeting purposes.

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all applicable NU policies, practices, local, state, federal, agency, and sponsor rules, regulations, and requirements regarding grant and/or contract administration.
• Resolves compliance problems and issues, collaborating with faculty on research safety, animal subjects, and human subjects.
• Alerts supervisor to potential higher-risk compliance issues.

Supervision

• Supervises administrative or financial positions and mentors other administrative staff in research administration.

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.

Benefits

Northwestern offers comprehensive benefits including 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, visit this link.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development through various tools and resources. For more information, visit this link.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. For additional information, view the non-discrimination statement and accommodations process here.