Research Administrator I

Summary: Under supervision but with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, provides support to faculty and staff and facilitates application process throughout proposal development, review and submission. Reviews, negotiates, and obtains institutional approvals for the structure, terms and conditions of sponsored project contracts and cooperative agreements. Responsible for establishment of accounts and oversight and administration of sponsored project contracts and grants to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Assists and trains Principal Investigators (PI’s) in managing sponsored project accounts.

Essential Functions

Analyzes workload, determines work priority, assigns duties, and participates in professional duties of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Maintains current knowledge of private, state, federal, Regents, University and UT policies, regulations and guidelines in sponsored research, pre and post award.

Reviews Request for Proposals, Request for Quotations, or Request for Applications in order to determine programmatic, financial, and contractual elements.

Assists PIs with completing grant and contract proposals; prepares proposal budgets, reviews completed applications, transmittals, proposals, and contracts for accuracy and compliance with University and Sponsor requirements.

Provides technical assistance to faculty and staff in the preparation and submission of electronic proposals.

Audits preliminary budgets and makes recommendations to include in grant application, ensures compliance with CAS standards of proposal budget costs, ensures application of current F&A (indirect) rate or F&A rate prescribed by sponsor.

Prepares all cost-sharing proposals and verifies eligibility in accordance with sponsor requirements; ensures department, college, or center approval before submission.

Prepares Notice of Award which establishes account and sub account funding after reconciling proposed budget to that of the award document; reviews award terms and negotiates revised budget and scope of work with sponsor if necessary.

Negotiates the terms and conditions of contracts with potential sponsors; interprets the content and negotiates the acceptability of terms and conditions of awards in accordance with University, Regents and UT policies.

Reviews contracts for sponsor and University requirements, obtains institutional approvals.

Follows up on pending agreements and awards that have not been fully executed by the sponsor.

Establishes fiscal monitoring controls and troubleshoots problems on accounts, acts as University representative on behalf of faculty and staff to external funding agencies, in both pre and post award.

Monitors budget transfers, expenditures for personnel, travel, equipment, stipends, tuition & fees, and consultants on sponsored projects; ensures expenditures are in compliance with sponsor and University requirements. Responsible for the overall post-award compliance of accounts throughout the budget/project period, maintains complete and accurate files on all awards.

Provides direct one-on-one training to PI’s regarding the pre and post award administration of sponsored programs.

Adheres to internal controls established for department.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from four-year college within area of assigned responsibility.

and

Experience: Two years related experience to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), from the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) preferred.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 10 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.