Pre-Award Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

4d • $63,000 • Remote

About The Position

Join a dynamic, research‑driven team advancing the future of imaging science at UW–Madison! The Department of Radiology in the School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking a highly motivated professional to support our expanding research enterprise. Reporting to the Grants and Contracts Manager, this position plays a key role in enabling innovative, collaborative research funded by federal and private sponsors and developed in partnership with leading industry collaborators. In this role, you will work closely with the Medical Imaging and Research Support team (MIRS), investigators across Radiology and partnering departments, as well as the SMPH Dean’s Office and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. You will be responsible for a range of pre‑award research administration activities—including preparing and submitting proposals, developing budgets, reviewing and coordinating contract negotiations, managing subcontract and consultant agreements, and preparing departmental grant activity reports. You will also contribute to the financial integrity of research operations at the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR), supporting accurate billing processes and helping ensure compliance with sponsor and federal requirements. If you’re looking to grow professionally in a collaborative environment where administrative expertise directly supports scientific discovery—and to do so in Madison, one of the nation’s best places to live—this role offers a meaningful opportunity to help propel innovation in medical imaging.
This position is primarily remote, with occasional on‑site meetings as requested by leadership.

Requirements

• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to work independently and research questions to find answers
• Willingness to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively via phone calls, virtual meetings, and email
• Experience working with contractual agreements and/or accounting/financial systems.
• Experience with federal and non-federal payors/sponsors.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a healthcare and/or higher education environment.
• At least 1 year of substantial involvement in research and sponsored programs working with pre-award grant administration, including electronic grant submissions, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and routes proposals, award documents, and sponsored project agreements according to established policies and procedures while adhering closely to deadlines
• Reviews proposal budgets and ensures allowability and accuracy of requested costs per sponsor and campus guidelines
• May work with campus partners to establish new accounts in the financial accounting system
• May identify funding opportunities and disseminate to principal investigators

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

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