Research Support Specialist

About the role

The Grants and Research Services Center (GRSC) team seeks applicants to support grant and research administration services in the College of Education. The Research Support Specialist will work closely with the GRSC team to ensure high-quality grant submissions, focusing initially on pre-award activities with opportunities for training in post-award and research development. This is a full-time, Professional and Scientific (P&S) specified term appointment lasting three years.

A hybrid (remote/on-campus) work arrangement may be available, with staff expected on campus each week. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and is based in the Lindquist Center.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate information between GRSC staff, Principal Investigators (PIs), sponsoring agencies, the Division of Sponsored Programs, and Grant Accounting.
• Update database weekly to reflect grant submissions, awards, appointments, and faculty/staff effort.
• Perform routine reviews of grant funding agency regulations to identify and integrate specific grant or guideline information into submission documents.
• Work with the Research Manager to evaluate requests for proposals (RFPs), prepare and review proposals for completeness, and route proposals.
• Provide administrative support for research activities, including responding to inquiries, data collection, analysis, management, preparing agendas, and meeting minutes.
• Serve as a liaison with sponsored programs, grant accounting, federal and non-federal agencies, and provide counsel to PIs on internal and external policies.
• Interact with departmental administrators, principal investigators from other departments and colleges, Grant Accounting, the Division of Sponsored Programs, Accounts Payable, and Program Officers regarding contracts and grants.
• Communicate with University of Iowa units regarding inquiries about contracts and grants within the College of Education.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in business, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• One to three years of grant-related experience.
• Familiarity with budgets and budget preparation in an administrative role.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Demonstrated experience with Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment under deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications

• Pre-award grant application experience.
• Basic understanding of post-award grant accounting.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience developing and managing grant budgets, including interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines and cost principles.
• Experience working with University of Iowa grant and financial systems.
• Experience with grants and office management.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position with a fringe benefit package including paid vacation and sick leave.
• Health, dental, life, and disability insurance options with generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
• 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Pay

Pay Level: 4A.