Senior Research Administration Associate

Summary

The Department of Ophthalmology seeks a highly motivated individual to support administrative activities throughout the grant proposal and award lifecycle. The Senior Research Administration Associate provides advanced pre- and post-award research administration support to faculty and departmental leadership. This role independently manages a portfolio of complex research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and regulatory standards. The position also serves as a key liaison among investigators, central offices, and external sponsors.

Employees with CRA certification are eligible for certification pay.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after completing training.

Job Duties

Pre-Award Administration

• Prepare and submit grant applications, including non-scientific proposal components, detailed compliant budgets, and required documentation from collaborators and subcontractors
• Enter and route proposals through institutional systems and partner with Sponsored Programs to support timely submission
• Identify funding opportunities and communicate relevant deadlines and requirements to investigators

Post-Award Management

• Oversee financial and administrative management of awarded projects, including monitoring expenditures for allow-ability and budget compliance, managing salary allocations and effort distribution, and preparing progress reports and sponsor deliverables
• Process re-budgeting requests, carryover actions, and award modifications
• Monitor subcontractor performance and compliance • Identify, investigate, and resolve financial or administrative discrepancies

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain required documentation, including bio sketches, other support, and compliance records, in accordance with agency guidelines
• Track and report compliance-related data and proactively address potential issues

Strategic & Advanced Functions

• Contribute to process improvements and standardized research administration workflows
• Support complex initiatives, including multi-PI grants, large program projects, and cross-institutional collaborations 

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison among faculty, departmental leadership, and central offices, including the Sponsored Programs Office
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships that support efficient research operations
• Advise investigators on grant processes, policies, and best practices
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional research objectives 
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Grant management experience in an academic research setting