Associate Sponsored Research Officer - Proposal & Awards Acceptance

Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

As a staff member of Northwestern Sponsored Research (SR), the Associate Sponsored Research Officer is an integral part of the institutional infrastructure that supports an innovative research ecosystem for ten schools and colleges, all centers and departments across three campuses (Chicago and Evanston, Illinois and Doha, Qatar) at Northwestern University, a distinguished AAU institution.

Reviews and ensures accurate and timely submission of University wide sponsored research grant proposals for standard and routine activity and for more complex submissions, such as program project grants. Provides administrative oversight for resulting awards. Manages a larger constituency with a moderate degree of complexity in comparison to higher level positions.

As part of Northwestern University's commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse campus community, Northwestern Sponsored Research is committed to being BRAVE (Battling Racism and Valuing Equity). Through deliberate words and actions, we actively endeavor to acknowledge the humanity of and value each of our colleagues.

The Associate Sponsored Research Officer will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.

Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversees and ensures accurate and timely submission and provides oversight for University wide research grant proposals such as multi-school, multi-institutional proposals such as program project grants and other complex submissions.
• Reviews incoming award terms, flags and addresses unusual circumstances internally and externally, maintaining fair but firm positions to obtain optimum conditions for the University and the PI. Recommends award agreements for university endorsement.
• Serves as a trainer of sponsored research. Represents Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) in meetings in conjunction with more senior OSR staff. Assumes full level of contact with faculty. Handles complex issues with sponsors.
• Focuses on more complex compliance issues such as effort reporting and export controls and serves as a resource to more junior staff in this regard. Determines that all University & sponsor requirements have been met prior to University's endorsement & submission of proposals and acceptance of awards.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• BA or equivalent in education, experience &/or training.
• A minimum of 3 yrs experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government or at some other entity engaged in sponsored research.
• Intermediate level of knowledge of:
• Federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance and RTC terms and conditions
• Other major federal funding agency guidelines
• Major sponsor electronic systems such as Grants.gov, Commons, & Research.gov
• U.S. Patent Law, the Bayh-Dole Act and Federal Acquisition Regulations & related supplements
• Recent OIG audit fndings and agency audit work plans

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Computer proficiency -software use may include Microsoft Office suite, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access, web browsers, email and systems including Huron Grants & Agreements (CERES), MyHR(FASIS), PeopleSoft, eRA Commons, Research.gov, and various sponsor systems
• Compliance -honor Northwestern University policy and external regulatory requirements
• Communication -oral and written communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; concise emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Decision Making -follows and teaches others to follow a process method for problem solving.
• Dependability -effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
• Diversity -creates an environment of understanding and acceptance; solicits input from a wide variety of people and functions; seeks inclusionary practices
• Ethics and Integrity -follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, mutual respect, civility and fairness in daily actions, demands trustworthiness from others; demonstrates courage and objectivity
• Grant Administration-manages grant application process; assists with preparation and submits pre and post-award award requests to sponsor
• Initiative-exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Judgment -demonstrates logic, rationality and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make practical decisions
• Listening -actively listens to others' opinions and ideas; respects and seeks to understand differences in opinions.
• Meets Deadlines-displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Multi-Tasking-demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Negotiations-seeks common ground to accommodate the conflicting needs and wants of different stakeholders
• Organization-plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and or resources.
• Problem Solving -formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results
• Research Regulations-demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local regulations governing the participation of human and animal research subjects.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Previous work experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government, or at some other entity engaged in sponsored research

Target hiring range for this position will be between $78,000-$90,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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