POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Research Administration Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1067
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Research Administration
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International Programs
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Research Administration Specialist assists the Director of Research Administration in ensuring that the University is in compliance with applicable laws and federal regulations relating to external funding of University research, instruction, and public service programs. The Research Administration Specialist assists the Director of Research Administration by processing, review, negotiation, and acceptance of sponsored project activities and ensures proper stewardship of awarded funds in compliance with sponsor, federal, state, and University regulations.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Experience: With a high school diploma, at least three years of experience in research administration, administration of sponsored programs, and/or writing grant proposals is required; with a Bachelor’s degree, one year of experience in research administration, administration of sponsored programs, and/or writing grant proposals is required. Knowledge of governmental and granting agency regulations pertaining to grants and contracts and experience in reviewing proposals, budgets, grants, and contracts for adherence to state and federal regulations and University policy is required.
Skills: Demonstrated knowledge and application of standard budgeting procedures is required. Knowledge of the electronic grants process (including a demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) are required. Knowledge and understanding of research ethics and confidentiality principles and practices as defined by the Office of Research Integrity is required. The ability to make sound decisions by applying policies and procedures and using available resources is required. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, granting agencies, and the public. The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of constituents is required. Must have the ability to analyze information and research a variety of sources to identify and resolve problems or issues. The ability to work independently and with limited supervision is required. The ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration, helps to assure the proper application of policies and regulations regarding the submission of external grant proposals, compliance protocols, and acceptance of external grants and contracts by processing and reviewing all submissions from faculty, staff, and students in accordance with University policy and procedure and communicating the same to all parties, both within the University and outside the University.
2. Assists the Director of Research Administration in ensuring the University’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations by assisting in the development, implementation, and updating of University policies and procedures with regards to grants and research compliance.
3. Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration provides essential training and guidance regarding externally funded research laws and regulations to University faculty, staff, students, and any group whose activities are subject to the same.
4. Helps to assure that the University’s research practices are in compliance with federal and state regulations by monitoring and evaluating grant and contract activities as directed by the Director of Research Administration.
5. Facilitates research within the University by coordinating protocol application review by the Internal Review Board (IRB), Internal Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the Biosafety committees and educating investigators in regard to research compliance and intellectual property.
6. Assists in the preparation and analysis of regularly scheduled and special requested reports regarding externally funded grant and research activities.
7. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
8. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development classes, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Director of Research Administration.
9. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Research Administration by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Research Administration Specialist is supervised by the Director of Research Administration and may supervise graduate assistants and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
