Coordinator, Research Center

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science • North Chicago, IL

8d

About The Position

The Research Center Coordinator provides administrative support and coordination for biomedical research center programs and their research missions, working closely with Center Directors, Principal Investigators, and research staff. Research experience is not required. The role provides pre- and post-award research administration throughout the grant and contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, federal, sponsor, and institutional requirements. It also manages the centers’ day-to-day research administration activities, sponsored project portfolios, and operating budgets.

The position is full-time. A flexible work arrangement may be considered after the training period, but not before 90 days. The salary is $56,589 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of administrative support experience.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• General understanding of accounting principles.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking ability.
• Ability to manage and prioritize details and tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to make sound, accurate decisions using professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and respect in all aspects of the job.
• Strong positive work ethic and high level of integrity.
• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
• Must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in research administration or a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage pre-award administration of grants and contracts.
• Obtain required approvals for routing sheets in preparation for grant submissions.
• Complete and pre-approve proposal components in InfoEd or sponsor forms.
• Assist with proposal budgets, including personnel effort commitments.
• Ensure required regulatory protocols are established and completed, including IRB, IACUC, EHS, and Conflict of Interest requirements.
• Manage post-award administration of research grants and contracts from account inception through closeout.
• Oversee the centers’ sponsored project portfolios and operating budgets.
• Manage key project personnel effort commitments and pre-approve effort forms using the Effort Reporting System.
• Monitor project account balances and ensure expenditures comply with sponsor rules.
• Review award budget status, identify issues, and monitor or recommend changes and needs to Principal Investigators.
• Provide the Office of Sponsored Research and Principal Investigators with financial data for interim and final financial and technical progress reports.
• Facilitate account closeout activities and coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Research as needed.
• Provide administrative support to the Center Director, faculty members, and staff across the research enterprise.
• Coordinate activities among Directors, Centers, the Office of Sponsored Research, EHS, BRF, and IRB.
• Prepare and compile materials for meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Develop and provide reports using online tools.
• Establish and maintain collegial relationships with internal and external colleagues.
• Take on other Research Center Coordinator tasks as delegated by the Office of the EVP for Research.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the EVP for Research, Director of Research Administration, and/or Center Director.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service.
• Three weeks of vacation/personal leave for full-time staff.
• 15 sick days for full-time staff.
• Nine paid holidays for full-time staff.
• Paid winter break.
• Two floating holidays.
• Commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level