Research Administrator II; Post Award

Overview

Under the direction of the Director, Post Award Administration, the Research Administrator II (Post Award) will manage a full sponsored research post-award portfolio including oversight and management of financial policy, compliance and reporting issues that arise during the life of the award. Post-award responsibilities involve the administration of research projects to ensure they operate within financial limitations as well as their compliance with legal, sponsor and Center policies and procedures.

Position also supports the development and implementation of research business practices that establish effective and efficient administrative operations. This role is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a remarkable team atmosphere where pre-award, post-award, compliance and research legal work closely together.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

• Act as primary post-award service contact for Principal Investigators, department administrators and Sponsors. Manage the finances of the sponsored projects for assigned divisions, departments and programs.
• Conducts timely financial analysis, reporting, and invoicing of sponsored awards, by providing PIs financial summaries and reports in a spreadsheet format that is easily understood by the lay reader, and that agree to Joslin financial systems. Modify spreadsheet report format to meet PIor program needs, and include data necessary for PI decision-making. Present concerns and issues needing PI attention: time sensitive matters, PI decision needed, PI approval required, etc.
• Allocate salaries to sponsored projects at the direction of Principal Investigators, in accordance with the award and sponsor guidelines. Determine affordability of proposed salary allocation. Prepare and approve job requisitions, Change of Status, terminations and other related paperwork. Collaborate with HR to ensure the annual performance evaluation and salary increases process is completed within established parameters.
• Communicate accurate and timely financial data to principal investigators, sponsors and others. Interpret and translate financial data so it is understandable for the non-specialist. Investigate any anomalies and provides timely resolutions. Reallocate budgets and initiate costs transfers with supporting PI approval.
• Monitor and approve all personnel, equipment, materials & supplies, and other grant or contract expenditures to manage project spending within budget limitations and award submission of any required financial reporting or billings.
• Collaborate on a regular basis with Research Finance to ensure effective OSR performance in areas of financial reporting, budgeting and compliance. Comply with specialized research accounting requirements for cost transfers, effort reporting and recharge operations.
• Work with Research Finance to close sponsored project accounts, resolve deficits, determine carry forwards and approve final closeouts. Coordinate with Research Finance the monitoring of accounts Receivables (A/R) and collection activity as well as account reconciliation and closeout.
• Monitor account activities regularly to analyze deficits and balances. Work with the Post Award Associate Director as needed to alert PIs and others as appropriate regarding potential issues, and resolve issues promptly.
• Support efforts to manage the use of core laboratories and other research facilities for optimal productivity, as applicable.
• Execute the budget process to develop annual investigator, core or other budgets according to assigned portfolio.
• Assist with the A-133 audit as requested.
• Request sponsor authorization as necessary on changes in principal investigator, scope of work, key personnel effort, performance site, or proposed funding period; carry forward funds; unobligated balances; no cost extensions, budget reallocations; etc.
• Assist with review, planning and approvals for subcontracts/awards from the appropriate authorizing official. Perform post-award administrative activities to ensure that all awards, subcontracts with collaborating institutions, and modifications to them, reflect the institutional interest and are compatible with institutional policies and procedures.
• Interpret complex terms and conditions and apply understanding of federal regulations in order to perform quality control checks on new awards and modifications. Capture essential reporting requirements, schedules/reviews financial and non-financial reports.
• Stay current on all regulations and requirements regarding federal and other sponsored grant activity. Remain abreast of current trends, practices, regulatory and/or policy changes of granting entities, which may impact internal processes or programs. Provide continuing education to post award staff on…