Manager of Research Operations

Manager Of Research Operations

The Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of IL at Chicago (UIC) is seeking a Manager of Research Operations to manage the research operations of the department and provide high level business support to the department.

This includes all aspects of research administration and operations including pre-award, post award, and training / compliance functions relating to grant administration. The position serves as the department's primary contact with Grants and Contracts, Office of Research Services, external sponsors and internal / external auditors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review grant guidelines, identify and inform faculty of funding opportunities which correspond to their interests and background.
• Research and review sponsor requirements at the proposal stage and ensure compliance prior to application submission. Prepare protocol timeline.
• Secure applicable sub-award documentation and cost-sharing approval.
• Prepare pre-award proposal documentation, including Proposal Approval Form (PAF), budgets, institutional information, budget justifications, sponsor compliance and regulatory information for routing to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and submission of proposals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on grant management for the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and act as a liaison to Grants and Contracts and external and internal departments.
• Manage, review, edit, and administer all financial activities of grants, contracts, consulting agreements, subcontracts, and vendor agreements for sponsored projects.
• Inform Principal Investigators and research staff of changes in sponsor policies and regulations; manage, coordinate and ensure compliance with changes.
• Set up accounts and prepare budgets; develop progress reports, budget changes, prior approvals, and grant close-outs.
• Plan, develop and interpret policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy and proper oversight of the department's research enterprise.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for the Department Head, Director of Administrative Operations, and Principal Investigators as requested.
• Develop and lead training for project team including community partners regarding project terms, requirements, reporting, compliance, etc.
• Plan, develop and interpret policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy and proper oversight of the department's research enterprise.
• Develop and update training materials as needed about changes in federal policies impacting research operations.
• Lead the creation of reports for the principal investigator and project team detailing expenditures, balances, sub awards, metrics, milestones etc.
• Regularly consult with PIs, Department Head and Director of Administrative Operations to ensure the fiscal health and growth of the department.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for the Department Head, Director of Administrative Operations and Principal Investigators as requested.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in business, basic or social sciences or related field. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of three years' experience in grants management required; in a university setting preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and management skills. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.