Research Support Specialist (Post-Award)

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a portfolio of externally and internally funded grants and contracts from a variety of sponsors, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university cost principles.
• Analyze and reconcile monthly financial statements for grants and contracts. This includes developing grant expenditure and personnel effort projections for individual projects and portfolios.
• Meet with principal investigators on a regular basis to ensure they have sufficient information to make informed and appropriate award management decisions.
• Serve as a liaison with departmental administrators and principal investigators from other UI departments, Grant Accounting, Division of Sponsored Programs, Accounts Payable, and sponsors.
• Stay abreast of current trends in research administration, changes in sponsor requirements, and uniform guidance and communicate this information to department administrators and researchers.
• Collaborate with pre-award support staff and faculty to ensure compliance with contract/grant terms in accordance with university policies and state and federal regulations.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated at a working proficiency level.
• Evidence of work experience requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft computer programs, especially Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• An advanced degree such as an MS, MA, or MBA, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing high quality customer service in a deadline driven environment.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience, especially working with federal sponsors.
• Working knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience working with the University of Iowa electronic financial reports (EFR), and UI Research Information System (UIRIS).
• Experience preparing and submitting federal, state, and/or private grants and contracts.

Position and Application Details

• To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission: Resume, Cover Letter.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
• Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
• Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
• Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position.
• Pay Level 4A.
• Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

About Iowa

• Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
• Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
• Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
• Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.