Summary

The Department of Molecular and Celllular Biology (MCB) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist with the administrative functions of grant proposals and the life cycle of grants. The Senior Research Administration Associate provides advanced pre-award support for the development, preparation, and submission of sponsored research proposals. The role manages a high-volume portfolio of complex applications, including multi-investigator and multi-site submissions, while ensuring full compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. Under the supervision of the Manager, Research Administration, this position will be the main point of contact for pre-award activities and works collaboratively within the MCB Research Administration team to advance departmental research objectives, proposal development, and compliance activities. This role requires regular interaction with and delivering high quality customer service to faculty members conducting sponsored research. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail are a must, as are adherence to quality standards and all relevant policies and award regulations. MCB leadership encourages and advocates for professional development, including participation in professional research administration organizations such as NCURA and is supportive of employees seeking CRA certification.

This position may be eligible for a future hybrid work schedule after initial training period.

Employees with CRA certification are eligible for certification pay.

Job Duties

Proposal Development & Submission

• Manage the full pre-award lifecycle, from proposal development and preparation through submission.
• Prepare and review budgets, budget justifications, and all required proposal documents.
• Manage complex proposals, including multi-site applications and subaward components.
• Coordinate timelines and submissions with internal offices and external collaborators.

Faculty Support & Institutional Liaison

• Serve as the primary liaison between faculty and central offices to facilitate timely submission and institutional approval of proposals.
• Provide guidance to faculty on sponsor guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and review of Other Support and Biosketch documents, ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional guidelines.
• Partner with BCM Accounting, the Sponsored Programs Office, the Grants & Contracts Office, and collaborating institutions to ensure awards and independent consultant agreements are established and executed in a timely manner.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements throughout the proposal and award lifecycle.
• Track and coordinate progress reports (e.g., RPPRs), ensuring timely completion, accuracy, and adherence to sponsor requirements.
• Monitor funding announcements and policy updates, and communicate relevant changes to faculty and staff in a timely manner.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate tracking of submissions, awards, and related performance metrics.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance team efficiency and service quality. 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
   

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

• At least four years of relevant experience in grant application development, budgeting, and/or grant financial management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contracts and subcontracts, with proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. 
• Working knowledge of the complexities of research grants, including informed consent, data access, and conflict of interest.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas, concerns, and details clearly to PIs, managers, and colleagues.