Grants and Contracts Specialist - Department of Physics

Grants and Contracts Specialist

Department of Physics

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Physics in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Grants and Contracts Specialist position. Reporting to the Director of External Affairs and Special Projects, this position supports the pre- and post-award functions for externally funded sponsored research programs by assuming a role in the development and submission of proposals, and in the financial management of awards funded by federal and non-federal sponsors. The position is responsible for maintaining familiarity with federal solicitations, changing federal regulations and guidelines, and University policy associated with research administration in order to support the effective management of research programs. The department submitted more than 47 proposals in CY24 with a greater than a 50% success rate, annually. The Department of Physics is a world leader in experimental, theoretical, and computational physics research. Please visit our website to learn more about the department. https : / / physics.illinois.edu / .

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Provide support to faculty and principal investigators in the preparation and submission of routing proposals to various federal and non-federal sponsors. This includes reviewing and interpreting sponsor guidelines and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures for proposal submission and ensuring that all are met.
• Assist faculty and principal investigators with the management of their funded research projects, programs and account, including the preparation of financial forecasts as necessary. Advise faculty on the financial aspects of hiring personnel and major spending decisions, such as large equipment purchases, as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison to SPA Award Management and assist with grant account set up, management, budgeting, billing and close out activities, as necessary. Ensure that completed projects are closed in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms of the award.
• Complete regular review of accounts to ensure integrity, accuracy and allow-ability of transactions in accordance with project budgets, agreement terms, and University, Federal and sponsor guidelines. Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source.
• Serve as liaison to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) and assist them with requests related to proposal submission and award negotiations, as necessary. Follow up on pending agreements and ensure that awards are finalized and funded projects accounts are established in a timely manner in support of the research efforts.
• Participate in campus research administration community through attendance at meetings and conferences offered by the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS), SPA and Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC), as well as those offered at the College level to enhance and improve research administration efforts.
• Assist principal investigators with the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process to obtain certifications in a timely manner.
• Monitor principal investigator effort on sponsored projects for assigned faculty to ensure investigators meet their effort obligations on their respective awards. Assist with the maintenance of the Activity Reporting System (ARS) for assigned faculty. Update ARS as necessary and in accordance with the department's allocation policy, and discussions with the faculty teaching, research, public service, and cost-sharing obligations are properly reflected and meet the designated obligations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Appointment Information

This is afull-time Civil Service Grants and Contracts Associate position appointed on a12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible afterthe closing date. Thebudgeted salary range for this position is $53,000-$60,000. Salary iscompetitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while alsoconsidering internal equity. Employees hired into this position will beexpected to work onsite on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization isnot available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6 : 00 pm (Central Time) on February 24, 2025 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Pleaseupload your cover letter, resume, and names / contact information for threereferences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https : / / jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Stephanie Swearingen, sswearin@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 : 1028165

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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

Salary : $53,000 - $60,000