Technical Purchasing and Financial Coordinator

Job Summary

The Technical Purchasing and Financial Coordinator is key to the research and teaching mission of the Department of Biology. The Coordinator is responsible for procurement, fiscal record keeping, contract administration, and compliance required for the department’s teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Department Resource Acquisition, Management, and Distribution: Perform all purchasing operations for the Biology Department, including vendor identification and set‑up, obtaining and comparing price quotes, negotiating best pricing, preparing and submitting purchase orders, consulting with faculty and staff on product selection, tracking orders, monitoring backorders, and routing invoices and reimbursement requests. Identify and negotiate with vendors for chemicals, equipment, and high‑volume consumables to ensure cost efficiency and timely delivery. Maintain accurate chemical inventory, work with TCU Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety for regulatory compliance, and supervise yearly physical audits of chemical inventory. Implement electronic inventory and purchasing systems within department budget. Process honorariums and awards for graduate student award recipients and seminar speakers. Coordinate and manage travel arrangements and reimbursements for faculty, graduate students, and visitors.
• Department Financial and Asset Oversight Assistance: Monitor departmental budgets, record revenues, expenditures, obligations, and commitments, and keep detailed records reflecting current budget status. Reconcile records with the Controller’s reports at least monthly and report to the department chair and principal investigators as needed. Assist faculty in developing budgets for internal and external grant requests. Provide monthly department budget and fund balance summaries to department leadership and assist DCSE leadership with internal grant oversight. Perform various fiscal responsibilities, including reconciling budget records with Controller’s monthly reports and processing department reimbursements.
• University Research Asset Oversight and Compliance: Manage specified research assets across the university by maintaining a research equipment inventory. Coordinate with faculty to inventory equipment, place tags, and enter information into the system. Coordinate facility, equipment, and vehicle inspections and repairs. Secure maintenance agreements to ensure safe and effective operation of fixed assets required for research and teaching. Work with equipment manufacturers, research PIs, and department & college leadership to negotiate shared‑cost agreements and prevent coverage gaps. Coordinate with the Research Instrumentation Specialist to source and fund necessary repairs.
• Administrative and Contract Management: Oversee contract administration, ensuring financial accuracy and equipment reliability to prevent disruptions to teaching and research.
• Personnel Operations: Recruit and supervise student office workers and approve student worker hours. Assist Biology lab coordinators with recruitment and onboarding of undergraduate laboratory assistants. Train student employees in maintaining accurate chemical inventory, coding stockroom purchases, and monitoring consumable purchases. Manage hiring paperwork for externally and internally funded undergraduate and graduate student researchers in research labs. Create a professional and friendly Biology office environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of record‑keeping techniques.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Skill in Microsoft Windows navigation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to communicate information effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms, and printed materials; clear speech for conversation and general communication; hearing ability for verbal communication via telephone and face‑to‑face interactions; manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing, reaching, bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, and prolonged sitting; ability to lift and move objects and equipment up to 10 lb.

Work Environment

Work is performed indoors in a sedentary setting and may involve schedule changes or variable work hours. The role is on‑campus, in‑person. No harmful environmental conditions are present. Noise level is usually moderate.

Employment Values

Texas Christian University values integrity, engagement, community, and excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect, hiring and promoting individuals based on qualifications and commitment to a positive impact on the student‑centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable employment laws.