Research Administration Associate-Mechanical Science and Engineering

Research Administration AssociateDepartment of Mechanical Science and EngineeringThe Grainger College of EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering seeks applicants for Research Administration Associate. This position will work closely with the MechSE Research Administration team and be responsible for reviewing and updating various financial/university databases and systems, as well as collecting and assembling supporting documents. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Post- and Pre-Award –
• Assist the MechSE Research Administration team and prepare supporting documentation for invoicing process as required by Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) or sponsors.
• Work with faculty, MechSE Research Administration and Business Offices, and SPA to process subaward invoices for payments. Maintain subcontract payment and financial statement records/listings.
• Review and pre-approve purchasing transactions and travel requests with possible compliance issues, and review and approve transactions in Chrome River.
• Assist with the completion of sponsored project closeout reviews and work with SPA to ensure completed projects are closed in a timely manner.
• Work with the MechSE Business Office team to resolve various Payables issues on sponsored project funding including invoices on hold, receiving reports, and open encumbrances.
• Work with MechSE Research Administration team to clear deficits, remove unallowable expenses and make requested labor distribution changes.
• Maintain the chart of accounts, requesting Banner account segments when necessary, and adding new accounts to the My.Chart application.
• Work with faculty and MechSE Research Administration team to update and maintain MechSE Principal Investigators (PIs) master current and pending file. Verify grant proposal data and status with the Pl portal system and update data as appropriate. Follow up with faculty regarding award status of grant proposals. Create current and pending documents in support of proposal submissions.
• Other Research Administration –
• Participate in campus research administration community through attendance at meetings and trainings offered by Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC), the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS) to enhance and improve research administration efforts.
• Assist with the completion of Reports of Sponsored Research Activities and their reconciliation to faculty Biographical Data Forms (BDFs).
• Assist with the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process to obtain certifications in a timely manner.
• May assist with the maintenance of the Activity Reporting System (ARS) for MechSE faculty in accordance with the departmental allocation policy; ensure faculty teaching, research, public service, and cost-sharing and other efforts are correctly reflected.
• Assume additional duties as assigned. Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position. Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experiencePreferred QualificationsOne year of accounting experience at an institution of higher education.
  
  

Illinois Certified Research Administration designationKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to complete tasks accurately and pay attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and manage diverse activities in a time sensitive environment.
• Ability to manage priorities and be proactive in resolving issues.
• Ability to work in close cooperation and coordination with supervisor and other research administration staff as part of a team.
• Ability to perform core job duties independently and exercise good judgement.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with database, spreadsheet, word processing and electronic communication programs.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn university policies and procedures related to research administration. Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $48,000-$55,000/annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by February 19, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please include cover letter, resume/CV, and names/contact information for three professional references. The start date will be as soon as possible after the close date. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Hannah Dorsey, hdorsey@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
  
  

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1028370

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu