About UIC

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. The UIC campus is located just west of Chicago’s loop, integrated into historic residential neighborhoods and the urban environment.  UIC is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

The Office of the Vice Chancellor or Research (OVCR) at UIC seeks a Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) to provide administrative and analytical support for proposal development and submission, and non-financial post-award administration to assure University sponsored projects comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to University, federal, state, and private sponsor guidelines. The SPS will assist with proposal preparation, including budget preparation and documentation. The SPS will conduct comprehensive and in-depth analysis of incoming proposals to determine the extent of campus resource commitments, completeness of proposal and budget, and conformity of proposal to University and sponsor regulations, policies, and requirements. The SPS will have delegated authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University. The SPS will serve as the liaison to funding agencies; interpret program guidelines, policies, and eligibility requirements; and communicate to campus personnel through training presentations and other forms of communication.

This is a hybrid role with two days on campus and three working remotely.

Essential Responsibilities

Proposal Review/Administration

• Review research proposals to ensure institutional compliance with applicable governmental regulations and policies.
• Provide guidance and expertise to researchers on administrative, financial, and budgeting issues related to funding opportunities, grants, and contracts.
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and submit proposal applications for external funding to sponsoring agencies.
• Acts as liaison for University to sponsors, faculty, and staff.
• Pursue continuing education on issues and developments in the field of research administration.

Policies and Procedures Development/Implementation

• Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with sponsor rules and regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies relating to Electronic Research Administration (ERA), i.e., NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, NSF Research.gov, and other electronic proposal routing and approval programs.
• Advise faculty and academic unit staff on sponsor policies and procedures and the rules and regulations of the University policies and procedures as they apply to Sponsored Research, including changes thereto.

Training/Workshops/Seminars

• Participate in and/or develop trainings, workshops, and seminars on issues related to sponsored project administration.
• Assist in preparation of educational materials and communications related to research administration and sponsored project activities.
• Work with Assistant Director to provide updated information on the OVCR website related to sponsored program and electronic research administration policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.