Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Research Development Associate (RDA) will actively contribute to the realization of WashU Arts & Sciences strategic goals related to research, scholarship, and engagement by supporting capacity-building and proposal development activities that substantively contribute to the strength and success of faculty submissions for external funding or faculty recognition through prestigious awards and fellowships.

The A&S Research Development team is responsible for instituting a team approach, with a particular focus on large-scale, multidisciplinary, multi-investigator research projects. Under the supervision of the Senior Research Development Associate and the Vice Dean of Research in A&S, the RDA will support the development of proposals and coordinate pre-proposal activities within and inter-disciplinary, primarily in the Department of Biology. The RDA will coordinate proposal development efforts with the Research Administration team and assist in transitions to the post-award project management team in A&S.

The RDA's primary responsibilities include facilitating brainstorming and idea sessions relevant to the discipline, reviewing proposal requirements, and reviewing and refining grant applications for competitive advantage, and supporting the development of large-scale, collaborative proposals as well as individual faculty grant submissions.

Job Description

Consulting and supporting faculty in the development of multi-investigator and complex funding proposals, as well as individual investigator proposals as bandwidth allows, through effective interactions with all involved parties and by providing proposal management, proposal reviewing/editing, and other requested proposal development support. This includes:

• Share discipline-specific funding opportunities with relevant faculty; provide competitive intelligence for upcoming funding opportunities.
• Review agency program goals and guidelines to ensure proposals align with the agency and proposed projects’ objectives and capabilities.
• Create a checklist, a timeline, and a roadmap for large-scale proposal development efforts.
• Work with individuals across campus in the proposal development process, including faculty and their collaborators, the GAIN pre-award staff, and the the department post-award grant managers, the Research Development Office in OVCR, and OSRS representatives to ensure successful integration of all application components and full compliance with the program and sponsor requirements.
• Manage and meet deadlines for multiple proposals simultaneously while ensuring excellent service to each.
• Coordinate external reviews of large-scale proposals identified as high priority by the College of Arts & Sciences.
• Review proposals, create tables, and provide content support for non-technical sections.
• Provide subject matter expertise for proposal development when applicable.
• Identify, establish, and support pre-proposal activities and strategic planning with the RD team in A&S. This includes organizing and facilitating events for brainstorming, idea development, and team-building, connecting faculty to resources, working with faculty to address challenges to advancing extramural research activities and working with faculty to draft white papers, roadmaps and other research grant planning documents
• Work with RDO colleagues to anticipate, identify, and disseminate federal funding opportunities to Washington University research enterprise.
• Analyze data, create tables and reports, review trends, and make data-driven recommendations that contribute to proposal writing, strategic planning for research areas and schools, outreach to federal sponsors and partners, and competitive intelligence for upcoming funding opportunities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Developing Or Writing Proposals To Or For Federal, State, Or Private Agencies (5 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Critical Thinking, Document Organization, Federal Grants, Grant Applications, Interpersonal Communication, Multidisciplinary Projects, Oral Communications, Organizing, Prioritization, Request for Proposals (RFP) Development, Review Writing, RFP Analysis, Scientific Editing, Scientific Leadership, Scientific Writing, Team Management, Web Databases, Written Communication

Grade

G12

Salary Range

$58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.