Research Administrator

Rice University•Houston, TX

3h•$56,560 - $62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University is seeking a Research Administrator I. This role provides comprehensive analytical, administrative, and financial post-award research support across the department. Serving as a vital liaison, the Research Administrator I connects Principal Investigators (PIs), central university administration, and external funding agencies to ensure seamless research operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted)
One or more (1+) year of related administrative experience (In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted)
Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets (Excel), email, and database software.
Solid working knowledge of research administration guidelines, compliance regulations, and institutional policies.
Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to prioritize strict deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Analytical, detail-oriented research administration professional with a proven track record in post-award management, particularly for complex, multi-investigator, and center-level grants.
Ability to function well in a high-workload environment requiring prioritization and meeting deadlines, while taking initiative and exercising independent judgment and discretion.
Advanced financial and compliance expertise.
Proficiency in budgeting, reconciliation, projections, and reporting.
Sound judgment in stewarding research funds.
Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, central offices, and sponsors, serving as a trusted advisor and key liaison.
Proactive, meticulous partner committed to strengthening the research infrastructure in the Physics and Astronomy department while supporting the department’s strategic and operational goals.

Responsibilities

Manages comprehensive post‐award administration for an assigned portfolio of grants and contracts.
Utilizes financial forecasting tools to monitor PI solvency, identify budget surpluses or deficits, calculate burn rates, and assist faculty with budget planning.
Gathers data and analyzes information to assist in recommendations and optimization of appropriate use of funding sources.
Reviews, tracks, and approves expenditures, including high-value/high-risk costs and cost-sharing commitments, to ensure compliance with university policies, federal regulations, and sponsor guidelines.
Coordinates subcontract setups; ensures statements of work, budgets, and justifications are reviewed and approved by the PI.
Coordinates account setup, monitors active budgets, provides data for progress reports, and manages full account close-out activities.
Manages and tracks the effort commitments of key project personnel.
Serves as the primary department liaison with the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Research Cost Accounting (RCA), internal audit, subcontractors, and funding agencies; responds directly to accounting audit inquiries.
Performs all other duties as assigned