Associate Research Administrator

Job Summary :

Provides administrative assistance and routine problem solving in support of McCormick School of Engineering’s research programs and mission.

Assistance may include the preparation & / or submission of routine research proposals, grants & / or contracts according to standard practice & / or general instruction.

Will assist with & / or complete proposal submissions, prepare information used in grant budgets, process post award modifications, maintain internal sponsored research trackers, effort reporting activities, and other support activities as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be ready to stay with the team in a growing role for two to three years.

Specific Responsibilities :

Complexity

• Typically administers entire research projects such as :
• Single Principal Investigator (PI) basic proposals, grants & / or contracts
• May assist with components of multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants & / or contracts
• NIH RO1-approximately $250K / yr. over 5 yrs.
• NIH R21-approximately $150K / yr. over 2 yrs.
• Foundation grants
• NSF grants
• Fellowships

Pre-Award

• Completes pre-award administration of grant & / or contract activities.
• Reviews solicitation & determines necessary components and timeline.
• Communicates with all parties involved, including PI, other project personnel, other NU units, SR, and / or sponsor accordingly.
• Organizes proposal, renewal and resubmission applications.
• Completes NU SR system routing process in CERES.
• Completes entire application for smaller, less-complicated, simple, standard proposals.

Post-Award

• Completes post-award administration of research grants & / or contracts.
• Reviews account establishment.
• Reviews expenditures.
• Tracks formal re-budgeting.
• Provides data needed for the preparation of interim and final financial and technical progress reports.
• Participates in account close out activities.
• Monitors project under spending and overspending.
• Communicates with PI, other unit and project personnel, OSR, ASRSP and / or sponsor accordingly.

Compliance

• Resolves standard & routine compliance problems & issues involving associated NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant & / or contract administration.
• Becomes familiar with regulations involving research safety, animal subjects and human subjects.
• Alerts supervisor to potential higher risk compliance issues including research safety, animal subjects and human subjects.

Information Management

• Regularly run Cognos canned reports of the Unit’s research activities
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications : (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree;

OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

1 year financial or administrative support experience in a research environment or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Organization, time management, detail oriented
• Multi-tasking, communication

Preferred Qualifications : (Education and experience)

• Two years’ experience in proposal / award management in a university environment.
• Knowledge of NU’s financial systems and accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of the NSF Grant Proposal Guide and Research.gov.
• Knowledge of other electronic federal proposal / award management systems, including grants.gov.

Preferred Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize.
• Ability to interact professionally with faculty, staff, and graduate students.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Windows OS environment, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and scheduling software.
• Experience with internet searches and database applications

Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,782 - $79,850 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits :

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness :

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior / adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development :

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

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More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations.

We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.