Job Description
Special Instruction to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
Position Summary
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering educates engineers and scientists who become leaders in academia, industry and government, where they redefine the limits of technology. The scope of our interdisciplinary research collaboration is virtually unmatched and Rice ECE is globally known for our extensive reach across disciplines, including designing next-generation wireless networks; nanophotonics; terahertz laser spectroscopy; digital systems processing; neuroengineering; machine learning and data science; healthcare devices and analytics; and a plethora of other interests.
The Research Administrator III provides deep and independent analytical and financial support in proposal processing and pre‐ and / or post‐award research administration for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) at Rice University. S/he acts as a liaison between the principal investigator, central administration, and the funder. The research administrator III is responsible for complex, multi-investigator, or center grants and serves in an advisory capacity to faculty and senior leadership (dean, department chairs) in the areas related to research administration including compliance. This position requires a high level of professionalism, organization and interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt and anticipate needs.
This position is hiring at a starting salary of up to $75,000 per year.
Essential Functions
Advises Principal Investigators on administrative requirements on complex proposal preparations, and ensures the funding agency’s guidelines are followed appropriately
Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI
Provides PI guidance on requirements of the IRB, IACUC, COI, IBC, and researches related regulations including proposal submission and award set-up
Serves as a liaison with OSR, RCA, IRB, IACUC, OTT, internal audit, funding agencies and organizations, subcontractors, institutes, centers and other departments
Coordinates with faculty to ensure all charges are allocated properly
Interprets award documents and advises PI on award spending, over- / under-spending
Establishes procedures at the unit level related to post-award administration
Prepares, finalizes and monitors project budgets and projections in accordance to research guidelines
Prepares, reviews and submits required reports, including progress and routine financial reports
Coordinates and reviews account setup, account close out activities, and close out analysis
Reviews, tracks, monitors and approves expenditures, including high-value / high-risk expenditures and cost-sharing commitments
Identifies the need for and requests no-cost extensions
Responds to Accounting audit inquiries
Monitors and oversees compliance in general and related to funds and revenue
Manages effort commitments of key project personnel
Manages and supervises staff workflow, professional development including post award activities
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions / Information
In-person 4x per week, remote 1x per week
Assists with administrative duties such as coordinating research-related travel, purchasing equipment and supplies, scheduling meetings and events
Completes Faculty Information System reporting
Coordinates with Rice’s Office Of STEM Engagement for activity budgeting and reporting
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
Five years of related experience in research administration (i.e: grant proposal preparation and submission to various governmental agencies such as NSF, DOD, DOE, DARPA, NIH, etc.)
Skills Required
High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite specifically Excel 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
Substitutions
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
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an institution of higher education
Experience with university policies and procedures
Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
About Rice
The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment
We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.
Rice University HR | Benefits
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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.
Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies
Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity |