Research Administrator

Department: WCAS Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

A center for global excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research, Northwestern's Department of Psychology seeks a self-directed research administrator to help support its mission. The Research Administrator position will support the Department of Psychology, reporting to the Manager of Research Administration in the Weinberg College Dean's Office. Using extensive research administration experience, this position manages overall day-to-day research administration activities including proposal development, award management, and assisting with award closeout responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of applicable sponsored research experience combined with the ability to demonstrate learning agility, practice active listening, have solid written and verbal communication skills, and be composed under deadlines. This role requires an understanding of federal grants and the capability to navigate federal policies and University guidelines around sponsored research. Candidates should be able to research, and problem solve complex issues.

This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. This position is eligible for remote work, and more information will be discussed during the interview. The target hiring range will be between $72,000 - $87,500 per year. The salary offered will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Pre-Award: Manages pre-award administration of grants and/or contracts, coordinates proposal submission, handles budget and justification preparation, completes sponsor and university forms and coordinates IRB protocols, sub-recipients, and other activities as needed. Reviews solicitations and final applications to ensure all needed documents are prepared in accordance with requirements. Effectively communicates with department during submission processes.
• Post-Award: Coordinates post-award administration of research grants and/or contracts, reviews account establishment and interprets award documents. Completes expenditure review, provides data needed for interim and financial reports and facilitates account close out activities coordinating with accounting services as needed. Oversees effort commitment and reporting.
• Financial: Oversees unit's entire sponsored project portfolio, reviews transactions and resolves issues that require a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge, provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration. Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice. Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with supervisor & faculty.
• Human Resources: Provides research administration training. Mentors other administrative staff in research administration.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum 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.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Organization, time management, detail oriented

• Multi-tasking, communication

• Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress

• Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Previous higher education experience

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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