Research Administrator II

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

Within the School of Engineering and Computing Research Administration Team, the Research Administrator supports the Principal Investigator(s) (PI) by managing the administrative and financial aspects of research proposals and grants, providing planning and oversight throughout the project(s) and assessing the overall financial health of the project(s). Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with guidelines, developing budgets, overseeing financial records, coordinating submissions with the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), monitoring expenditures, and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the grant lifecycle. 

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate will have strong research administration and financial management skills, with experience developing budgets, monitoring expenditures, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with the Office of Sponsored Research and the Office of Research and Cost Accounting on complex projects with changing priorities. They possess excellent organizational and communication abilities, strong attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting PIs in the successful execution and financial oversight of grant-funded projects.

Workplace Requirements: 

Fully remote: This position is fully remote, permitting all tasks to be completed from any location within the United States. Working hours will remain central standard time. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.”

Hiring Range:  minimum of $63,000 - $68,000/year

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 years related experience

Skills: 

• Software proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with attention to detail and willingness to take initiative
• Customer service 
• Collaboration 
• Superior verbal and written communication skills 
• High proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of project management, including the proven ability to predict and evaluate potential risks and to create solutions before they arise 
• Ability to work in a team environment, actively participate, motivate, and follow through as needed

Preferences

• Possess the understanding and administrative skills for pre-award and/or post-award activities, including proposal submission and financial management.

Essential Functions:

• Under the general direction of the Director of Research Administration, support the Principal Investigator(s) (PI) by planning, managing, and overseeing grant awards, ensuring proper documentation and compliance processes are followed
• Responsible for budget management and financial forecasting and evaluates and analyzes the overall financial health of research projects to ensure financial responsibility and sustainability. 
• Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI
• Research proposal and compliance management including record keeping.
• Prepares forms for cost sharing, if applicable
• Monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information
• Ensures Subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI
• Verifies Cayuse record is complete and accurate and works with OSR for submission to sponsor
• Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for financial and progress reports as needed
• Works with faculty to ensure all charges are allocated properly
• Identifies the need for and requests no-cost extensions
• Participates in account close-out activities
• Serves as a liaison with OSR and RCA
• Manages and maintains records, files, and reports
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University. 

Salary : $63,000 - $68,000