Careers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

General Summary of Position:

The College Research Administrator position supports the pre- and post-award research administration of grants and contracts for the College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (FAHSS), Kennedy College of Sciences (KCS), and Francis College of Engineering.  This position will assist researchers with the submission of research proposals for external funding and with the financial and non-financial management of grant awards and contracts.  This position liaises with the Office of Research Administration (ORA) on behalf of the principal investigators they are assigned to support.  Some opportunities for remote work available. 

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

1.  Proposal Development:

Assist faculty with the preparation of proposals for submission to the Office of Research Administration (ORA).  Liaise with ORA on revisions and action items required prior to approval and submission by ORA.  Responsibilities include:

• Provide full support for a variety of grant proposal and subcontract submissions. Duties include:
  • Reviewing and interpreting proposal guidelines;
  • Advising faculty on sponsor policies and requirements;
  • Checking proposal compliance with University and sponsor regulations;
  • Preparing and approving budgets in accordance with University and sponsor policies and rates;
  • Helping faculty develop supplemental content such as bio-sketches, data management plans, and facilities descriptions;
  • Developing structured proposal checklists for faculty;
  • Working with faculty to ensure that proposals are received and submitted on time.
• Provide faculty with example templates for proposal components; help faculty understand the processes and tools available to them.
• Assist with and train faculty in completing Proposal Intake Forms (which are required for all proposals).

2.  Award Management:

• Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) initiate allowable grant expenditure requests for activities such as cost transfers, additional compensation requests, and hiring personnel;
• Remind and assist PIs to respond to post-award monitoring needs (reports, closeouts, etc.), and identify potential overruns on sponsored projects;
• Train PIs/project staff to use Summit, including monthly reviews of award budgets;
• Assist PIs in completing time and effort cards, and serve as point of contact/liaison for time and effort reporting in the college;
• Assist with award management process audits;
• Help assure timely compliance with post-award grant reports/deliverables.

3. Opportunity Identification:

• Assist faculty in finding funding opportunities, including training faculty and staff to use appropriate opportunity databases.

4.  Present seminars, workshops, videos, and job aids:  

• Disseminate information about sponsor and University policies and procedures for grant and contract funding and award management.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelor’s Degree plus five years of experience, or Associate’s Degree plus seven years of experience
• Knowledge of federal, state & other funding agency/sponsor rules and regulations
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with financial transactions (e.g., budgets, purchasing, accounts payable, travel, payroll, and accounting)
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Given the nature and responsibilities of the position, only U.S. persons (any individual who is a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident alien of the United States, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3)) will be considered for this position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with PeopleSoft and Summit financial systems preferred
• Experience in pre- and post-award research administration in a higher education setting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure of deadlines
• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills to interact with faculty, staff; and individuals outside the university

Additional Considerations:

• Ability to work with little direct supervision

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

This is a SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P17.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.      

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required at the time of application.

Posting updated 2/28/2023.