Pre-Award Research Administrator II

at  Rice University

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering educates engineers and scientists who become leaders in academia, industry and government, where they redefine the limits of technology. The scope of our interdisciplinary research collaboration is virtually unmatched and Rice ECE is globally known for our extensive reach across disciplines, including designing next-generation wireless networks; nanophotonics; terahertz laser spectroscopy; digital systems processing; neuroengineering; machine learning and data science; healthcare devices and analytics; and a plethora of other interests.
The Pre-Award Research Administrator II provides deep and independent analytical and financial support in proposal processing and pre-award research administration for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) at Rice University. S/he acts as a liaison between the principal investigator, central administration, and the funder. The Pre-Award Research Administrator II is responsible for complex, multi-investigator, or center grants and serves in an advisory capacity to faculty and senior leadership (dean, department chairs) in the areas related to research administration, including compliance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted.
• 2+ years of related experience administrative experience which includes some research administration experience (i.e grant proposal preparation and submission to various governmental agencies such as NSF, DOD, DOE, DARP, NIH, etc.)

Skills Required

• Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
• Working knowledge of research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies
• Organizational skills
• Customer service
• Problem-solving

• Advises the Principal Investigator (PI) on administrative requirements in proposal preparation, and ensures guidelines are followed for proposal formatting and submission requirements
• Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI and ensures proper allocation of charges
• Monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information
• Ensures subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI
• Verifies Cayuse records and works with OSR for submission to sponsor
• Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for financial and progress reports
• Participates in account close out activities
• Manages and maintains records, files and reports
• Performs all other duties as assigned