Description

 The Research Administration unit at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is responsible for the full life cycle of quality research administration ranging from proposal development to post-award administration, award close-out and award compliance.  The services and resources provided by the unit are geared toward the needs of the research community as well as legal and regulatory requirements that govern research.

The Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is the only graduate school of nutrition in North America.  The breadth of our programs is unparalleled, including cutting-edge research and education from cell to society, from individuals to food systems, and from genetics to policy.  This unique breadth and scope make the Friedman School a leading institution for evidence-based nutrition education, research, and public impact.

The Research Administration unit maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research in order to keep abreast of policies and systems, and ultimately to create and support an environment that promotes research.

The Research Administrator II is responsible for administering portfolio of broad and moderately complex sponsored awards. Utilizing considerable knowledge of research administration and academic area, works with faculty to develop sponsored proposals and to manage post-award compliance activities. Serves as resource to junior level research administration staff. May assist school management with other assigned program operation functions.

Essential Functions:
• Reviews funding proposal opportunity announcement or request for grant proposal to gain understanding of requirements, submission process and sponsor guidelines. Using the Research Administration System, prepares business components of grant application, prepares and routes proposal for internal approval, and prepares, reviews and submits subcontractor and other documentation to Office of Research Administration for final review and submission to sponsor.
• Responsible for preparing proposal’s categorized budget and budget justification, confirming accuracy of costs. Verifies that correct facilities and administrative cost rate is applied. Identifies, obtains approval and ensures proper, documented cost share for proposal submission.
• Once grant has been awarded, revises categorized budget as necessary. Provides information for appointment of individuals in compliance with grant provisions. Identifies need for advance accounts and no-cost extensions and takes responsibility for completing required internal documentation.
• Monitors award budget and reports internally on spending, etc. Reviews contracts and subcontracted procurement and financial transactions. Works with Principal Investigator (PI), school, department and central administration to determine allowable and allocable project charges. Develops burn-rate analysis and budget projections in the Axiom budget system as needed.
• Serves as general resource to junior level research administration staff in department and resource on electronic systems (Research Administration System and Axiom). May provide formal and informal training. Participates in training events sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR).
• May assist school management with other assigned program operation functions.
 

Qualifications

 Basic Requirements:
• The following required knowledge and skills as typically acquired by completing Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3 – 5 years of research administration experience
• Knowledge of funding agencies and their programs
• Knowledge of regulations that govern federal research funding and related areas of regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated organizational skills with detail orientation
• Excellent prioritization skills, strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in collegial, supportive manner with faculty and staff
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments with tight, concurrent deadlines and with frequent interruptions
• Proficient with MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet
• Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e., grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, ProposalCentral, etc.) and experience with enterprise research administration systems
Preferred Qualifications:
• Designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator 9CFRA)
• Experience with Kuali Coeus
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
Travel between Tufts’ three campuses may be required.

Tufts University is an AA/EO employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds. Please see the Tufts University non-discrimination statement.   

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston

Job: Finance and Accounting

Organization: Business Operations

Employee Status: Regular 

Schedule: Full-time

Job Posting: Aug 1, 2016, 4:29:16 PM