Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Research Development & Support Specialist (Hybrid/Remote Potential) in Amherst, Massachusetts
Research Development & Support Specialist (Hybrid/Remote Potential)
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=521452&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 521452
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Dean - Pub Health & Health Sci
Union:PSU
Categories: Research, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
This position is designed to strengthen and enhance research in theSchool of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS)and to identify opportunities for expanding funding for on-going research focuses. Performs diversified and complex administrative, financial and pre award and post-award functions to include development of research initiatives tailored to faculty interest and expertise in the SPHHS, managing and troubleshooting the award process including sub-contract establishment, and developing and implementing processes to manage post-awards and facilitate effective grants' administration.
Essential Functions
Grant Development&Pre-Award Administration:
Assess needs and creatively develop initiatives based on SPHHS faculty research experience that will enhance research funding and productivity in the SPHHS and its departments.
Work with individual faculty to understand research interest and expertise, assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities; plan and execute effective searches for funding sources (inclusive of federal and state grant, contract, foundation, and industry support).
With a targeted funding source under submission, provide assistance in the management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising faculty and Principal Investigator (PI) of sponsor guidelines, participation in assembling the grant application, budget preparation/justifications, facilities descriptions, subcontracts and other content-oriented forms such as C.V.s and other administrative requirements for the submission of all grants and contracts.
Review proposals and provide suggestions for writing and communication improvements. Coordinate pre-award submission activity for the department.
Grant Monitoring:
Develop and implement a manageable system to monitor and provide Principal Investigator's budget updates.
Develop and enhance implementation tools for faculty buyouts in coordination with the SPHHS Business Office, Grants' Manager, and Division Directors/Department Head.
Troubleshoot problems in sub-contracts, payments, and PO processing.
Develop fiscal management systems for faculty to expedite paperwork and reduce investigator burden.
Monitor operating expenses, prepare monthly variance-to-budget reports, and advise on reconciliation actions.
Post Award Responsibilities:
Work with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalize all expenditure activity of expired grants.
Assist and participate with grant accounting in award termination process to close out accounts.
Has Budget responsibilities and develops budget to include forecasting.
Monitors and reports variances/problems and recommends solutions.
Essential Functions
Perform other duties as assigned.
MinimumQualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Associate's degree preferably in Business Administration or closely related field AND at least six (6) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environmentORBachelor's degree preferably in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or closely related field AND at least four(4)years of experience in research project management, grand development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environment.
Knowledge of grants writing and project coordination.
Experience with budget construction and monitoring, ability to analyze and interpret financial information.
Ability to plan, organize and lead administrative activities related to grant development and administration.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.
Self-directed, organized, and goal-oriented.
Ability to recognize administrative problems and implement effective solutions.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge,Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure).
Experience with quantitative data collection and reporting.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment activity.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
Level 26, Non-exempt
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherstisfurther committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Nov 9 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: