Senior Research Administrator

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.

POSITION SUMMARY

SafeInsight is a transformative national education research platform project led by Rice University and OpenStax, in collaboration with top edtech platforms and schools, SafeInsight is redefining the education research landscape by making powerful research accessible for a wide range of scientists, maximizing research’s potential to improve learning, and prioritizing the protection of student privacy.
We are looking for a Senior Research Administrator to manage all aspects of project administration. The incumbent will provide deep and independent analytical and financial support in pre-and/or post-award research administration for an exceptionally large or complex project. They will act as a liaison between the principal investigators, central administration, other platform staff, subcontractors, vendors, and sponsors. They will serve in an advisory capacity to faculty and senior leadership of the project in the areas related to research administration, cost accounting, reporting, and compliance.
This position is funded through a grant, and as such, the continuation of the position is contingent on the continuation of the funding for it within that grant
The ideal candidate enjoys solving problems and does not back down from a challenge. They have experience with complex cost allocations and they have a deep understanding of the impact that cost allocations and coding have on financial reporting and decision making. They can predict financial reporting issues and build procedures with solutions in mind.
Annual Hiring Salary: $85,000

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• Four years of related experience
• Skills
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite specifically Excel, Word and Outlook and database software programs
• Extensive knowledge of research administration guidelines, policies and regulations
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills and detailed oriented
• Excellent analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

We’re proud to offer a fully remote work environment, giving you the freedom and flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Our main requirements are a stable internet connection, a quiet space for work calls, and work hours in US time zones. For team building and collaboration, travel for occasional in-person meetings is encouraged.
Rice University HR | Benefits
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values
Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities

• Manages a portfolio of grants and contracts. Identifies funding opportunities utilizing technical knowledge
• Manages grant proposal development and submissions
• Develops budgets and budget justifications for proposals
• Ensures all Cost Share Approvals are obtained
• Interprets regulations and reviews compliance with proposal guidelines
• Resolves complex matters, & as necessary, communicates to administration or other key persons
• Manages post‐award administration for a portfolio of large, complex grants and contracts
• Serves in an advisory capacity to senior leadership, faculty, staff and administrators
• Prepares annual and sponsor reports, including progress reports and routine financial reports; review reports and submits to sponsor
• Interprets award documents. Coordinates and reviews account setup
• Reviews, tracks, monitors and approves expenditures, including high‐value / high‐risk expenditures
• Manages expense records and monitor budgets
• Manages effort commitments of key project personnel
• Advises PI and leadership of over‐/under‐spending. Generates and monitors projections
• Monitors and tracks all cost‐sharing commitments; monitors compliance
• Works with faculty to ensure all charges are allocated properly
• Identifies the need for and requests no‐cost extensions
• Coordinates with accounting to respond to audit inquiries
• Establishes procedures at the unit or school level related to post‐award administration
• Participates in account close out activities, coordinates with RCA to conduct close out analysis
• Serves as a liaison with OSP, RCA, IRB, IACUC, OTT, internal audit, funding agencies and organizations, subcontractors, institutes, centers and other departments
• Provides training for staff on proposal development and post award activities
• Oversees or coordinates the annual financial conflict of interest disclosure process
• Performs all other duties as assigned