The University of Chicago's Provost URA: Pre-Award Services department needs a Pre-Award Research Specialist to manage and submit proposals for research, training, and other sponsored activities, ensuring compliance with university policies and sponsor terms and conditions. This role supports the institution's ability to secure external funding by accurately preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals, and facilitating communication between sponsors and the university community.
Requirements
- Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, and Workday.
- Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).
- Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.
- Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
- Prior experience working with sponsored research administration (i.e., research administration, pre-award and post-award management) in an academic environment a plus.
- Participation in interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Supports the pre-award activities for all sponsored projects for the University departments and units as assigned or directed.
- Provides review and approval of all proposal submissions prepared by departmental and unit grants personnel and routed through the AURA Grants system for institutional approval.
- Reads and interprets agency guidelines and policies.
- Interprets Sponsor guidelines, funding opportunities, requirements, and policies or develops proposals in compliance with University and sponsor policies and assists with other grant and contract activity within AURA Grants; escalates issues accordingly to URA leadership.
- Provides additional oversight and support for large, complex proposals to departments or units to increase consistency and expertise in the application process.
- Facilitates contact with external funding sources, acting as a liaison between the sponsoring agency and the University community to obtain and process pre-award or proposal information.
- Provides review, approval and institutional endorsement for all post-submission or file updates (Just-in-Time (JIT)) including revised budgets, regulatory protocol approvals, subaward commitments, determination of subaward versus vendor documentation and any other documentation materials requested the agency prior to an award.
Other
- Ability to interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration.
- Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately.
