Research Administrator II
About The Position
The Interdisciplinary Research Support Office (IRSO), a unit of the Office of Research, is dedicated to advancing Rice University’s research enterprise by delivering high-quality, outcome-driven administrative support to the university’s research institutes, centers, and complex multi-departmental or multi-institutional projects. Under the guidance of IRSO leadership, the Research Administrator II provides comprehensive post-award and operational support to faculty, research institutes, centers, and administrative units across campus. The role operates within a collaborative, fast-paced research administration environment that prioritizes operational excellence, adaptability, continuous improvement, and high-quality service delivery across a diverse portfolio of interdisciplinary research activities. The ideal candidate will bring experience in research administration, accounting, and/or higher education administration, supported by strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. They will be detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple priorities, and adept at collaborating with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, initiative, and a commitment to delivering high-quality administrative and financial support in a fast-paced, service-oriented research environment. Candidates should be comfortable learning new systems, processes, and evolving technologies that enhance operational efficiency and research administration. The ideal candidate will also exhibit curiosity and openness toward emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools that strengthen organization, streamline workflows, and elevate research administration services.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of experience in research administration, grants administration, accounting, financial administration, or a related higher education environment
- Knowledge of research administration — Familiarity with research administration practices and funding agency guidelines, regulations, and policies
- Technical proficiency — Intermediate-level skill with word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications
- Organizational excellence — Strong organizational and time management skills
- Stakeholder communication — Ability to engage diverse stakeholders with situational awareness, tact, and professionalism
- Analytical mindset — Demonstrates an inquisitive, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving
- Multitasking capability — Effectively manages multiple priorities and shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Nice To Haves
- Digital adaptability — Demonstrates enthusiasm for developing digital literacy and adopting new systems, policies, and emerging technologies
- Organizational mastery — Exhibits exceptional organizational skills, including managing multiple tasks and projects, prioritizing effectively, and maintaining meticulous records
- Professional discretion — Accomplishes goals with diplomacy, tact, and respect for confidential information
- Federal grant expertise — Proven experience managing grants and contracts with federal agencies
- Collaborative engagement — Capable of contributing meaningfully to collaborative projects in a fast-paced environment
- Enterprise systems proficiency — Experience using Oracle-based (or similar) business systems and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom
- Process improvement mindset — Demonstrates interest in operational efficiency and continuous process improvement initiatives
Responsibilities
- Oversee project budgets and supply data for financial and progress reports as required
- Coordinate and review account setup and closeout, monitor expenditures, and approve them as necessary
- Create and uphold reporting protocols to comply with IRSO standards, ensuring all data is tracked, analyzed, and reviewed monthly for precise award management
- Collaborate with faculty and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure proper allocation of charges, accurate award management, and compliance with regulations
- Identify the need for and process no-cost extensions, project rebudgets, and cost transfers
- Act as a liaison with the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Cost Accounting, and other departments at Rice to ensure that process workflows are correctly managed by all parties and progress toward desired outcomes
- Oversee and organize records, files, and reports
- Provide post-award and operational support to IRSO faculty, institutes, centers, and groups as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Full-time, benefits-eligible position
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
