Research Administrator II

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

10d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Research Administrator II supports faculty and investigators with sponsored research administration across the pre-award, post-award, financial management, and effort-reporting lifecycle. The role assists with proposal development and submission, interprets award terms, monitors compliance and project activity, advises Principal Investigators, and coordinates reporting and closeout. The position also reconciles sponsored and related financial accounts, reviews expenditures, monitors budgets and personnel costs, prepares financial reports and forecasts, and maintains supporting documentation. It coordinates effort reporting and commitment accounting and works with Human Resources and departmental leadership to resolve payroll distribution issues. The expected salary is $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with education and experience. Applicants must upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three references. The application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. ET on the posting end date. A health assessment is not required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in grant and contract administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and ability to interpret University of Florida, State, Federal, and sponsor rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to conducting research at UF.
Comprehensive knowledge of the grant proposal process at UF.
Experience using research programs such as UFIRST, research.gov, and/or grants.gov.
Ability to work independently, with demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with all stakeholders.
Skill in using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.

Responsibilities

Assist faculty in preparing and submitting research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies.
Review funding opportunities, requests for proposals, and submission requirements for compliance with sponsor and UF guidelines.
Help prepare proposal budgets and justifications and collect sponsor-required documents.
Submit proposals for department, college, and university-level approval through UFIRST and sponsor portals.
Coordinate communication among investigators, departmental personnel, central research administration offices, and sponsors.
Advise faculty on proposal preparation, submission processes, and funding requirements.
Create and manage awards after submission and review and interpret award notices, modifications, and sponsor terms and conditions.
Serve as the primary departmental liaison with the Division of Sponsored Programs, Contracts & Grants, sponsors, and faculty regarding award administration.
Monitor project activities for compliance with sponsor regulations, University policies, and award requirements.
Advise Principal Investigators on allowable costs, effort commitments, reporting requirements, and award management.
Track technical, programmatic, and administrative reporting deadlines and assist faculty with timely submissions.
Coordinate sponsored project closeout and ensure required documentation is completed.
Coordinate award modifications, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, carryforward requests, scope changes, and other administrative actions.
Meet regularly with faculty to review award status, discuss project progress, and identify administrative and compliance concerns.
Assist SoA Center Directors with year-end Board of Governors reporting and other sponsored research reporting.
Reconcile sponsored project, indirect, foundation, donor, and related financial accounts in accordance with University policies.
Conduct Tier I reviews of grant expenditures to ensure charges are allowable, reasonable, and properly documented.
Monitor budgets, expenditures, burn rates, and balances using Enterprise Analytics, MyInvestigator, and University financial systems.
Analyze financial activity and identify potential deficits, overdrafts, compliance concerns, or spending irregularities.
Prepare monthly financial reports for Principal Investigators covering month-to-date, fiscal year-to-date, and project-to-date activity.
Provide financial projections and spending forecasts to support strategic award management.
Implement awarded budgets in University financial systems and coordinate budget revisions when necessary.
Monitor personnel expenses and salary allocations charged to sponsored projects.
Maintain financial records and supporting documentation.
Submit required reports and supporting documentation to the DCP Grants Office and other University stakeholders.
Coordinate Faculty Assignment Reports and effort-reporting activities for faculty and staff supported by sponsored projects.
Ensure effort commitments are accurately documented and certified according to sponsor and University requirements.
Review commitment accounting and payroll distributions for personnel paid from sponsored projects.
Collaborate with Human Resources and departmental leadership to resolve payroll distribution discrepancies and funding changes.
Review travel, procurement, and personnel transactions charged to sponsored projects for budgetary and compliance alignment.