Manager of Research Operations

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics at the University of IL at Chicago (UIC) is seeking a Manager of Research Operations to provide high level business and financial support to the department.

This includes management of all aspects of research administration and operations with the emphasis on Post-Award and departmental financial management. The position serves as the department’s primary contact with Grants and Contracts, Office of Research Services, external sponsors and internal/external auditors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Post Award

• Manage, review, edit, and administer all financial activities of grants, contracts, consulting agreements, subcontracts, and vendor agreements.
• Set up accounts and prepare budgets; develop progress reports, budget changes, prior approvals, and grant close-outs.
• Plan, develop and interpret policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy and proper oversight of the department’s research enterprise.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for the Department Head, Director of Administrative Operations, and Principal Investigators as requested.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on financial grant management for the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and act as a liaison to Grants and Contracts and external and internal departments.
• Inform Principal Investigators and research staff of changes in sponsor policies and regulations; manage, coordinate and ensure compliance with changes.
• Manage effort reporting and labor distributions.

Pre-Award

• Review grant guidelines, identify and inform faculty of funding opportunities which correspond to their interests and background.
• Research and review sponsor requirements at the proposal stage and ensure compliance prior to application submission. Prepare protocol timeline.
• Secure applicable sub-award documentation and cost-sharing approval.
• Prepare pre-award proposal documentation, including Proposal Approval Form (PAF), budgets, institutional information, budget justifications, sponsor compliance and regulatory information for routing to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and submission of proposals.

Reporting

• Lead the creation of reports for the principal investigator and project team detailing expenditures, balances, sub awards, metrics, milestones etc.
• Regularly consult with PIs, Department Head and Director of Administrative Operations to ensure the fiscal health and growth of the department.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for the Department Head, Director of Administrative Operations and Principal Investigators as requested. Provide financial projects as requested.
• Monitor and reconcile monthly expenditures and encumbrances. Approve purchases, contracts, and POs for the department.

Training

• Develop and lead training for project team including community partners regarding project terms, requirements, reporting, compliance, etc.
• Plan, develop and interpret policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy and proper oversight of the department’s research enterprise.
• Develop and update training materials as needed about changes in federal policies impacting research operations.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in business, basic or social sciences or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in grants or accounts management required; in a university setting preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 to $100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers:
Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined…