Research Projects Specialist or Coordinator - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research Projects Specialist or Coordinator

Illinois Center for Transportation

Civil & Environmental Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Positions are located in Rantoul, IL

The Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT) within the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for two positions of Research Projects Specialist or Research Projects Coordinator.

ICT is located on Rantoul's former Chanute Air Force Base and the future site of the 238+ acre Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track (I-ACT). ICT is leading the rapidly growing field of smart mobility. To learn more, please visit us online at ict.illinois.edu.

The assigned title is dependent upon qualifications.

The Research Projects Specialist will assist with the administrative coordination and financial management of ICT research projects with various sponsors.

Duties and Responsibilities - Research Projects Specialist:

• Supports ICT's sponsored research process of active projects, including workplan and budget reviews submitted by researchers, outsourcing to industry and university partners, requests for University accounts to ensure compliance with the research objectives, and act as a liaison between the University and project sponsors.
• Assists in reviewing expenditures and reviewing and processing incentive payments to ensure compliance with sponsor, federal, and University policies.
• Utilize project management software and databases to track and analyze project tasks, performance metrics, and accomplishments over time.
• Provides guidance and assists in the establishment of a grant funded incentive program.
• Assists with preparing tables, charts and progress reports for metric reporting and handles a variety of sensitive and confidential assignments and projects.
• Organize and actively participates in technical meetings, prepares technical research discussion summaries and communicates meeting objectives and outcomes to PIs and sponsors. Travel as needed, mostly during business hours.
• Assumes additional appropriate related research project duties to further the mission of ICT and the department.

The Research Projects Coordinator position will be responsible for the administrative coordination and financial management of ICT research projects with various sponsors.

Duties & Responsibilities - Research Projects Coordinator:

• Responsible for ICT's sponsored research process of active projects, including workplan and budget reviews submitted by researchers, outsourcing to industry and university partners, requests for University accounts to ensure compliance with the research objectives, and act as a liaison between the University and project sponsors.
• Manages the establishment of a grant funded incentive program.
• Assists with program and/or project financial administration, including budget analyses, financial status reports, requests for subaward contracts and university accounts.
• Exercises independent judgment in reviewing expenditures and reviewing and processing incentive payments to ensure compliance with sponsor, federal, and University policies.
• Coordinates and actively participates in technical meetings, prepares technical research discussion summaries and communicates meeting objectives and outcomes to PIs and IDOT.
• Maintains project management software and databases to track and analyze project tasks, performance metrics, and accomplishments over time. Ensures project documents, records, data and archives are maintained and organized.
• Supports leadership in the implementation of new systems and tools, process improvements, and assist in developing rollout plans and training materials. Maintains and updates process manuals and procedures to reflect current policies and best practices.
• Prepare tables, charts and progress reports for the quarterly ICT newsletter, the annual report, ICT Executive Committee meetings and other presentations.
• Assumes additional appropriate related research project duties to further the mission of ICT and the department.

Minimum Qualifications - Research Projects Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree
• A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in research project management.

Preferred Qualifications - Research Projects Specialist:

• Two years of project management experience in research administration in either a university or government environment, ideally at the University of Illinois or Illinois Department of Transportation; Experience with a transportation research program.
• Illinois Certified Research Administrator certification.

Minimum Qualifications - Research Projects Coordinator:

• Bachelor's degree
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in research project management and applying financial processes.

Preferred Qualifications - Research Projects Coordinator:

• Two years of project management experience in research administration in either a university or government environment, ideally at the University of Illinois or Illinois Department of Transportation; Experience with a transportation research program.
• Two years additional finance experience in research administration.
• Illinois Certified Research Administrator certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Research Projects Specialist:

• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-faceted work environment.
• Exercise judgement to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or issues with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to sudden changes in tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple duties simultaneously with tight deadlines.
• Basic technical business writing skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Research Projects Coordinator:

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-faceted work environment.
• Exercise judgement to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or issues with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to sudden changes in tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform multiple duties simultaneously with tight deadlines.
• Basic technical business writing skills.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.

The budgeted salary range for the Specialist level position is $55,000 - $60,000 and Coordinator level is $60,000 - $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Rantoul location on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 12, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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 Stacie Mertes and smertes@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The
University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control
laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted
party screening procedures for applicants.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037968

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

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