Assistant Director, Research Operations (Neuroscience)

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

19h•$86,900 - $130,300•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. This role provides oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the research staff for the Department of Neuroscience and the Del Monte Institute. It involves investigating and gathering information on available research grants and opportunities, and collaborating with leadership to direct all facets and phases of financial and administrative management, including general appropriation, endowment, federal and non-federal grants and contracts, and gift funds. The position is responsible for preparing financial reports and statements, interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating staff performance. Effective communication with sponsors, researchers, and industry partners is crucial to move projects toward successful completion, while ensuring an adequate balance between research mission and fiscal responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience in clinical research and/or program management required
CLASP Certification required within first 6 months of the position

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills preferred
Ability to manage significantly complex projects, and design and implement new programs preferred
Ability to analyze, condense, and synthesize information and provide accurate analysis and summaries preferred
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities preferred.
Strong attention to detail preferred
Proven strategic planning skills preferred
Ability to exercise independent judgment and follow established protocols and procedures preferred
Previous leadership experience, including team management preferred
Experience working with a diverse audience preferred
Experience working with Development preferred

Responsibilities

Manages and directs the day-to-day operations of research staff in the Department of Neuroscience and Del Monte Institute.
Develops, documents, and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensures adherence to established SOPs.
Plans and directs the administrative and financial support for research activities to effectively manage available resources.
Takes initiative to continuously improve operational and financial performance with effective decision-making, planning, and implementation skills.
Manages and directs a team of research staff.
Oversees personnel related activities such as hiring, onboarding, training, and mentoring.
Independently evaluates workloads and distributes responsibilities amongst the team.
Accountable for the technical and professional performance of staff.
Conducts performance evaluations, provides counseling and corrective feedback.
Develops and implements initiatives to support employee professional development.
Oversees, implements, and monitors all grant, institutional, endowment and gift account budgets and reporting.
Ensures appropriate fiscal controls and systems are in place and followed.
Conducts rigorous expenditure review to ensure all funds are spent in accordance with governing award and institutional regulations and implements appropriate corrections as needed.
Manages the post-award portfolio by meeting with Principal Investigators (PI), research staff, and others to review budget status, account ledgers and financial responsibilities.
Makes recommendations regarding staff allocations and spending priorities.
Reviews Notices of Award for accuracy and impacts to project.
Manages invoicing of sponsors, subcontracts, and administration of other financial transactions.
Works with Principal Investigators on progress report submissions, terming projects, extension requests, and processing close out of grants.
Monitors funding changes and project end dates to identify funding gaps and suggest new funding opportunities or reassign underfunded grant personnel.
Prepares and maintain projections for various awards and complete report of expenditures.
Oversees research administration projects and manages all aspects of the pre-award process to ensure compliance and successful submission of sponsored research proposals.
Provides leadership and expert guidance to faculty, principal investigators, and staff in the preparation of research applications, proposals, budgets, and related documentation.
Interprets and applies institutional, governmental, and sponsor policies and regulations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all submissions.
Reviews funding announcements, protocols, and sponsor requirements; develops and negotiates budgets with industry and external partners; and ensures timely and responsive proposal submissions.
Serves as a liaison to sponsors and University offices, promoting clear communication, adherence to deadlines, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Oversees departmental compliance reviews and provides education and resources to support best practices in research administration and regulatory compliance.
Collects and reports statistics on sponsored projects for the department and centers.
Provides routine reporting and communication at regular department and committee meetings.
Provides regular reports to leadership regarding fiscal management of operations, projected surpluses/deficits, changes in faculty research efforts, and potential shortfalls for research staff funding.
Analyzes and identifies trends and closes out accounts in a timely manner.
Collaborates with leadership to develop and execute the department’s strategic initiatives.
Develops understanding of targeted research interests and looks for funding opportunities and announcements to share with faculty.
Uses problem solving and creative thinking to overcome barriers to optimizing research operations.
Develops and maintains positive working relationships and communications with providers, study team, study participants, Principal Investigators, research staff, and sponsoring and regulatory agencies.
Participates on committees internal and external to the department to stay appraised of the research landscape.
Other projects and job duties as assigned.