Research Administrator

The Research Administrator I for the Department of Medical Oncology and the Divisions of Molecular and Cellular Oncology and Solid Tumors is responsible for the management of the research portfolio(s) for one or more laboratories (and Disease Centers, as applicable) with direction and moderate supervision from their supervisor.

• The RA works with a diverse set of funding types including federal, industry, foundation, donor, institutional, chargeback, and clinical trials.
• The RA collaborates with faculty and researchers on the preparation of sponsored research applications and/or the financial management of sponsored and institutional funds; and is responsible for identifying problems and working with supervisor to resolve where necessary.
• The RA is responsible for liaising with Institute central offices such as Research Finance, Accounts Payable, Research Administration, Special Funds, Grants and Contracts, the Clinical Trials Office, Office of General Counsel, and the Innovations Office.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life-changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Pre-Award Management

• Proactively works with faculty and/or professional staff to identify funding opportunities and prepare applications for grants in compliance with sponsor guidelines and Institute standards for excellence and timeliness.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of entire proposal (excluding scientific content) for accuracy, presentation, and compliance. This includes but is not limited to all administrative pages, narratives for non-scientific areas of the grant (e.g., data sharing plan, resource sharing plan, human subjects, vertebrate animals, etc.), and appendices.
• Responsible for oversight of grant submittal process, including monitoring the application review process and submitting supplemental information. Works with faculty to review summary sheets and plan responses/revised applications, if applicable, and complete any JIT or program requests.
• Assists with all progress reports and ensures compliance and responsiveness with sponsor guidelines and requests.

Portfolio Management (post-award)

• Upon award, finalizes the budget and works with Grants & Contracts and Research Accounting to get the award set up properly in a timely manner.
• Reviews Notice of Award for any budgetary or other restrictions/requirements. Works with faculty to assure understanding of reporting and other requirements of PI.
• Reviews budget adjustments, restrictions, required responses with faculty and ensures a timely response to the sponsor.
• Manages budget spending to guidelines, monitoring and reviewing allocation of research funds, grant balances and charges, ensuring appropriate use of funds under investigator control, both in terms of sponsor/external regulations and Institute policy. Calculates overhead and fringe benefit charges; purchases equipment; ensures payment of salaries; and generates spreadsheets.
• Compiles and analyzes fiscal data; develops updates, disseminates accurate and complete financial information to ensure compliance with all requirements of externally funded programs, performs related duties as assigned.

Procurement

• May approve and/or initiate purchase requests for investigators and laboratory members via Purchase Orders and PCard.
• Verify funds are available, expenses are allowable and correctly allocated in a timely manner.
• Review and approve bills for core and center services.

Human Resources

Onboarding:

• Conduct financial analysis to determine availability of funding.
• Assist in the development of job descriptions.
• Post positions and approve salary offers.
• Process visa applications and payments as appropriate.

Ongoing:

• Process merit, equity and promotions requests.
• Manage salary allocations in adherence to funding guidelines and availability.

Offboarding:

• Manage termination process checklist, process termination paperwork.

Compliance

• Partners with faculty and researchers to ensure adherence to internal and external policies; this includes consulting with faculty/OGC/Innovations on MTA, DUA and consulting agreement processes.
• Advise faculty and researchers and/or refer them to appropriate resources for other compliance issues such as financial conflict of interest and foreign influence.
• Manage the federal time and effort process for applicable researchers.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 0-1 year of related experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Computer literacy: Familiarity with new applications and software programs. Familiarity with Excel/ Google Sheets preferred.
• Organization: Familiar with electronic document and email file storage. Able to complete projects on time with support and direction from supervisor. Familiar with prioritization and balancing workload.
• Customer Service: Provides clear written and verbal communication. Listens and asks clarifying questions.
• Financial: Familiarity with Excel /G-Sheets and budgeting principles, including projections.
• Ability to analyze grant data through research, comprehension and application of regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with faculty, research staff, department’s GM team, GM in other departments, and central departments.
• Institute operations and processes: Familiarity directing faculty and researchers to appropriate departmental and institutional resources.
• Inclusion, Diversity & Equity: Promotes inclusive community where human differences are valued and celebrated and where all are welcome.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster