Project Associate | Biocomplexity Institute

University of Virginia

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Biocomplexity Institute (BI) integrates scientific research, from genetic sequencing to policy analysis, to tackle the complex task of understanding massively interacting systems and predicting solutions to issues impacting human health, well-being, and habitat. We collaborate across many disciplines to discover connections between health, information networks, security, and infrastructure. The foundation of our methodology lies in information biology – the synthesis of mathematics, computation, informatics, and biology. We approach complex problem-solving by assembling teams of scientists from various fields to collaborate on creating solutions that challenge the very fields in which the teams operate.
We are looking for an Intermediate Project Associate to join our dynamic Research Operations team.
Project Associates directly support a variety of administrative needs of the research enterprise, from day-to-day project support to dedicated assistance to senior leadership, demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills.
Responsibilities will be varied and challenging, including tasks such as:
Provide project coordination to support the Institute's research operations and special projects
Digital library administration to include managing our digital assets, including designing, developing, and maintaining digital collections and services that support the Institute’s research projects
Provide oversight and management of research programs and projects, ensuring that they meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements. Research administrators work with faculty, staff, and external partners to support successful program execution and foster collaborations.
Support internal faculty and PRS hiring, onboarding, and offboarding as needed
Process hiring of all full-time staff, part-time wage employees, temp services, and students using Workday, in partnership with Human Resources
Create and manage internal workflow processes for staff searches, hiring, visas, onboarding, and offboarding
Conduct internal onboarding and offboarding for staff, wage, and student employees
Coordinate staff job postings in partnership with University Human Resources
Enter payroll-related transactions in Workday when required
Maintain internal employee records and track/maintain staff contracts
Advise the Associate Director for Finance and Business Operations on administrative issues, solutions, and support for business operations, and inputs to leadership’s strategic planning with appropriate data analysis
Provide administrative support to staff and faculty
In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

• A Masters degree in English, Communications, Psychology, or a STEM field
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a research or office setting
• Project Management Certification (PMP) Certification
• Experience supporting a research team
• Experience working in higher education, government, research institutions, or other closely related organizations
• Superb written and oral communication skills, including experience with editing and evaluating written materials to correct errors and improve readability

Responsibilities

• Provide project coordination to support the Institute's research operations and special projects
• Digital library administration to include managing our digital assets, including designing, developing, and maintaining digital collections and services that support the Institute’s research projects
• Provide oversight and management of research programs and projects, ensuring that they meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements. Research administrators work with faculty, staff, and external partners to support successful program execution and foster collaborations.
• Support internal faculty and PRS hiring, onboarding, and offboarding as needed
• Process hiring of all full-time staff, part-time wage employees, temp services, and students using Workday, in partnership with Human Resources
• Create and manage internal workflow processes for staff searches, hiring, visas, onboarding, and offboarding
• Conduct internal onboarding and offboarding for staff, wage, and student employees
• Coordinate staff job postings in partnership with University Human Resources
• Enter payroll-related transactions in Workday when required
• Maintain internal employee records and track/maintain staff contracts
• Advise the Associate Director for Finance and Business Operations on administrative issues, solutions, and support for business operations, and inputs to leadership’s strategic planning with appropriate data analysis
• Provide administrative support to staff and faculty
• other duties may be assigned

Benefits

• Flexible Workplace: BI offers a hybrid workplace that balances in-person and remote work for each employee. Due to the collaborative nature of our work, team members are expected to attend team meetings and other critical functions in person. Since the duties of this position include providing administrative support for senior leadership, events, and other in-person activities, we expect this role to be in the office at least 4 days a week.
• Time Off: In addition to 11-15 paid holidays depending on the calendar year, the flexible University Leave program offers employees 22-30 days per year, depending on years of service. UVA employees also receive an additional 16 hours of paid leave per year for public service, allowing them to contribute to the community.
• Parental Leave & Care: The Paid Parental Leave policy offers eight weeks of paid leave to employees who have been employed by UVA for 12 consecutive months. UVA also offers access to a backup care program for child and eldercare.
• Pay: UVA provides market-based compensation that recognizes competitive starting pay, merit increases, promotional opportunities, rewards, and recognition.
• Recognition: Our culture encourages care and recognition for one another. We aim to measure, improve, reward, and celebrate individuals and team performance.
• Health: Our health plan options are designed to support a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Multiple choices allow you to assess your medical needs and choose the best plan while achieving a balance of low premiums and maximum flexibility for health, vision, and dental.
• Wellness: UVA cares about your good health. Our programs encompass tools to help you emotionally, physically, and financially.
• Career Development: Our culture of lifelong learning promotes an education benefits program that provides tuition toward your next degree, academic certificate program, or relevant professional development expenses. We will support you in your current role and foster development throughout your lifelong career.
• Retirement: Choose from excellent options as we partner to invest in your future. VRS offers a defined benefit + defined contribution plan, with UVA matching up to 3.5% for the Hybrid plan. Or choose ORP, a defined contribution plan based on tax-deferred accumulations. You contribute 5%, UVA contributes 8.9%

What This Job Offers

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