Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting for the position of Grants Specialist. The primary responsibility of this position is the coordination of proposal submissions and post-award management for externally funded research grants and contracts.

The grants specialist will report directly to the Department Head and work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and the Assistant Director of Business Operations to provide support for Principal Investigator(s). The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, budget preparation and coordination of administrative documents, and red lining of proposals to ensure their competitive and timely submission. Additionally, this position will be responsible for approval of research expenditures, including fiscal and payroll transactions, re-budgeting, subcontracts, award transfers, and facilitating progress and closeout reports. This position will also be responsible for managing Effort Reporting in accordance with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
The ability to juggle multiple demands within tight deadlines is a necessary skill, as well as the ability to prioritize workload. This position manages multiple time-sensitive issues, exercises judgment within defined policies and procedures, and determines appropriate action required to bring grants to fulfillment.

Must be able to independently set priorities, manage tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy. Experience providing fiscal support such as budgeting, reconciliation, and reporting is necessary. Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, team orientation, and the desire to work in a research environment. Must be skilled in Excel, and have the ability to learn new software and applications, strong communication skills, and ability to respond effectively to guidance and direction are also necessary.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience. Familiarity with the overall process of sponsored research proposals, awards, and grant/contract administration. Strong preference will be given to those with experience working with the National Institutes of Health, and those with years of progressive experience in grant/budget proposal preparation, monitoring, compliance and closure. Skilled using spreadsheets, and the ability to learn new software, and navigating complex policy and procedure. Research administration experience with knowledge of federal funding regulations, proposal development, and pre-/post-award procedures. Preference will be given to those with higher education, governmental, or other fund accounting background, and Certified Research Administrators (CRA).

4

Restricted

50,000 - 65,000

09/27/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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