• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35

Position Summary

The Office for Research in the College of Physicians and Surgeons is seeking a Senior Research Administrator to join the PreAward Team. Under the supervision of the Director, the Senior Research Administrator will provide support for all grant related pre-award administrative activities for the Basic Science Departments, and other participating departments at VP&S. The major function of this position is to assist principal investigator in preparation, submission and pre-award administration of grants, and contracts including annual progress reports and subawards. We are seeking a candidate with strong interpersonal skills, who is detail-oriented and enthusiastic to work closely with principal investigators.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assists PIs in the development, review, and submission of all Federal, State, and foundation grants and contracts applications. Manages timelines and the overall progression of submission to ensure the on-time completion of high quality, responsive and compliant proposal applications.
  • Prepares grant budgets and budget justifications based on the aims provided and RFA technical content requirements in full compliance with sponsor/donor and CU policies, as well as engages outside collaborators, and establishes subcontracts;
  • Prepares and compiles all components of each grant submission, ensures that the proposal is formatted, packaged, and submitted in accordance with granting agency requirements;
  • Drafts supporting documents for grants including letters of intent, letters of support, cover letters, facilities and resources etc.;
  • Maintains detailed, up-to-date records of PI's other support, biosketches, and grant submission documents;
  • Responds to RFAs and summary statements and addresses issues prior to submission;
  • In coordination with the Post-Award Team and the principal investigators, promotes accurate preparation and timely submission of progress reports as required by sponsoring program;
  • Tracks the status of pending applications, follows up with investigator regarding review/funding status of application;
  • Supports investigators in responding to Just-In-Time requests;
  • Ensures files are complete for awarded applications, secures missing information from principal investigators and/or administrators;
  • Provides advice and guidance to researchers and junior team members on grant funding policies, regulations, and procedures;
  • Facilitates and supports the research and identification of funding opportunities on behalf of investigators, as appropriate;
  • Maintains standards: budget templates, standardized checklists for core staff and PIs tailored to the sponsor/mechanism, standardized filing system using shared drives, updated resources and facilities;
  • Prepares summary reports of applications submissions and outcomes to Director of Pre-Award;
  • Develops and maintains a positive relationship with funding agencies, collaborating organizations and multiple internal offices
  • Works collaboratively and cooperatively with faculty, grant writers, P&S proposal development and Pre-Award team, and all aspects of grant administration;
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, including support on special projects, as required

   

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience plus 4 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience in biological science or business/administration degree such as finance, accounting, business administration, business, public health, public administration, or a directly related field.

Other Requirements

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Prior experience with and understanding of NIH systems (eRA Commons, ASSIST, RePORTER) required. Demonstrated customer service focus with the ability to interact and collaborate with multiple constituencies as well as capacity to work with a high degree of independence and successfully within a deadline driven, multi-tasking operating environment. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to handle multiple projects. Self-motivated and demonstrates initiative, patience, and resourcefulness in adapting to sudden changes.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.