Proposal Development Specialist, College of Arts & Sciences, Biology

Location

BOSTON, MA, United States

Full‑time, 12‑month position.

Grade 48: $68,000.00 – $71,000.00 (estimated based on various factors).

Boston University’s Department of Biology seeks a Proposal Development Specialist. This position works with biology faculty, postdoctoral associates, and students to advance the department’s research mission by assisting with proposal preparation and submission, including budgets, ancillary administrative documents, and other pre‑award tasks as needed; coordinating multi‑investigator grant proposals across BU departments and with outside institutions; helping investigators navigate research compliance requirements;

identifying new funding opportunities; and working with investigators and the biology business staff to support post‑award functions such as subcontracts, no‑cost extensions, carry‑forward spending, sabbatical and summer salary allocations, and award annual and closeout reporting to funding sponsors. This position is the primary liaison with the BU Office of Sponsored Programs and outside funding sponsors on all matters related to pre‑award sponsored research.

The role requires proactive, dependable communication, the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, and strong organizational and multitasking skills.

• Assist faculty, postdoctoral associates, and students with proposal preparation and submission, including all budgets and ancillary administrative documents.
• Coordinate multi‑investigator grant proposals across BU departments and with other outside institutions.
• Help investigators navigate research compliance requirements.
• Identify new funding opportunities from federal, foundation, academic, and industry sponsors for faculty, staff, and students across various career stages and research interests.
• Support post‑award functions including subcontracts, no‑cost extensions, carry‑forward spending, sabbatical and summer salary allocations, and award annual and closeout reporting to funding sponsors.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the BU Office of Sponsored Programs and outside funding sponsors on all pre‑award matters.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of related experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both professional and academic settings.
• Proactive, dependable, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Professional handling of sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Willingness to learn grant proposal preparation guidelines and stay current with changing requirements.
• A required cover letter must accompany the application.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parent, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.