Post-Award Research Specialist

Post-Award Research Specialist

Department: Provost URA: Post-Award Services

About the Department: University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions.

Job Summary: The job executes a range of activities to support the functional areas of University Research Administration. Supports research, training, and other sponsored activities at the University, building upon knowledge of the University, processes, and customers. Assists in the development of research compliance education programs.

The Post Award Research Specialist is responsible for identifying and remediating deviations from established account management expectations. Responsible for all financial and non-financial post-award activities for all sponsored projects for the University and acts as a liaison to sponsors for all departments and units assigned to the position.

Responsibilities:

• Distributes awards through AURA, establishing accounts in the financial system and updating records as necessary.
• Processes all concurrence requests (CRs) and continuations (CNs) in AURA; ensures cost share is properly established and reported.
• Directs preparation of, monitors and approves sponsor required fiscal and management reports. Prepares and/or reviews billing reports and requests invoices as appropriate.
• Reviews and approves cost transfers. Assists billing area as needed to claim payments.
• Prioritizes work in order to complete assignments on a timely basis.
• Partners with business units/departments to monitor post-award activities (grants management).
• Implements actions to proactively avoid problems with accounts.
• Manages all close-out activities for sponsored projects, coordinating efforts between the PI, department/unit, and Sponsor.
• Administers and/or coordinates project transfers and closeouts when a faculty member leaves the University.
• Communicates and collaborates with University departments/units to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full life cycle.
• Contributes to the team effort, assisting colleagues to ensure timely service to departments, units, and sponsors as needed.
• Provides professional assistance with the administration and coordination of proposals and awards in research and training.
• Maintains correspondence between the agency and University community to obtain and process necessary pre- and post-award information.
• Helps to obtain sponsor approvals for major changes to project work scope.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business or liberal arts field.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic environment.
• Participation interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Federal Circulars applicable to universities (OMB A-21, A-110, A-133 or the Uniform Guidance).
• Background with the University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, ACCTS/PETS, and Business Objects.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills.

Working Conditions:

• Sit for 4 hours or more.
• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.
• Travel to various on-campus locations on a daily basis.

Application Documents:

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

Posting Statement: The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.