Grants and Contracts Coordinator - Biomedical and Translational Sciences

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•$30 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cornell University Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences (being established in February 2026 as a merge of the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine) is seeking a skilled research administration professional to support its dynamic and highly collaborative research enterprise. This role provides comprehensive pre- and post-award grants and contracts support, working closely with faculty, research staff, and central offices to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant submissions. You will serve as a trusted advisor to investigators by identifying funding opportunities, interpreting sponsor guidelines, and developing complex budgets and application materials. Acting as a key liaison across the department, college, university, and external partners, you will help move research ideas from concept through award management. This position is well suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines. If you enjoy collaboration, problem-solving, and supporting impactful biomedical research, this role offers a meaningful opportunity at Cornell University.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in accounting, business administration, or related field with four to six years of related sponsored programs experience, administrative/financial experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage multiple priorities and applications simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and follow through on complex tasks
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a strong customer service mindset
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams, using sound judgment to escalate issues when appropriate
Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software tools to manage information, analyze data, and produce reports
Commitment to continuous learning and to modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, wellbeing, and equitable working relationships

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of federal, state, non-profits, foundations and industry sponsors.
Understanding of applicable government regulations (Uniform Guidelines) and university policies.
Proven experience with grant and contract preparation, submission and administration preferred.
Working knowledge of NIH eRACommons for grant preparation.
Experience in an academic environment.
Knowledge of Cornell University policies and procedures preferred, as well as experience with a variety of Cornell University systems, including RASS, Workday, KFS and OBIEE Dashboards.

Responsibilities

Grant Submissions/Pre-Award Support: Provide high-level pre-award grant and contract support, including proposal development, budget and justification preparation, sponsor-specific forms, and submission management
Maintain a broad understanding of departmental research priorities, faculty projects, and sponsor requirements; identify and communicate relevant funding opportunities
Independently ensure proposal compliance with sponsor, college, and university policies, monitoring deadlines and requirements through final submission
Serve as a primary liaison with PIs, department leadership, College Research Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, internal grant partners, and external collaborators
Coordinate and guide grant preparation activities within the department, providing direction to other grants and contracts preparers and balancing workload as needed
Act as the department’s subject-matter expert for pre-award processes, addressing questions, resolving issues, and advising stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle
Communicate grant activity and unique considerations to financial and administrative teams to support seamless transitions post-award
Post-Award Support: NFA preparation, database maintenance (e.g., critical grant tracking details), grant/contract progress reports, RPPRs, compliance verification (animal/human subject protocols), Just In Time submissions.
Foresee and explore potential issues or problems, advise/recommend faculty and carry out solutions.
Work in coordination with the BMS Financial Specialists, BMS Administrator, College Account Service Center (ASC), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Sponsored Financial Services (SFS).

Benefits

Great benefits!
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
3 weeks of paid vacation
13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion
An award-winning employer provided benefits program
Comprehensive health care options
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Generous retirement contributions
Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program
Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits