Research Administrator I/II/III - Office of Research

Office of Research • Gainesville, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

We are expanding our Excellence in Research Management team, which supports a range of College of Medicine departments. As part of this expansion, we are seeking Research Administrators to join our team, with position level and scope tailored to align with each candidate’s experience and expertise. As a Research Administrator, you'll be at the heart of discovery, playing a pivotal role in managing grant portfolios and sponsored project lifecycles across a range of federal, state, and private funding sources. You will help support our faculty and research teams, ensuring seamless navigation through pre-award submissions, post-award management, and regulatory requirements. Join us and be part of a team empowering the research that shapes tomorrow! We are especially interested in adding RAs with experience in clinical research. The Research Administrator's role requires active engagement with faculty and departmental staff to ensure that sponsored projects are accurately represented and administered from inception through closeout. The Research Administrator is responsible for the continued management of their assigned portfolio, including pre-award proposal support, post-award monitoring, budget reconciliation, and award closeout activities. Research Administrators are expected to seek creative and proactive solutions to project and organizational challenges, escalating complex items as appropriate while working with increasing independence over time. The professional knowledge and expertise required includes, but is not limited to, proficiency in UFIRST and PeopleSoft, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel), a general understanding of the sponsored research lifecycle and pre- and post-award processes, familiarity with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and other applicable federal regulations, and a firm understanding of research administration workflows and how they align with the needs of our end customers — the faculty and study teams we serve. Join us and be part of a team empowering the research that shapes tomorrow! We are especially interested in adding RAs with experience in clinical research.

Requirements

• Level I: A bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level II: Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in grant and contract administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level III: Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in grant and contract administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in UFIRST and PeopleSoft.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• General understanding of the sponsored research lifecycle and pre- and post-award processes.
• Familiarity with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and other applicable federal regulations.
• Firm understanding of research administration workflows.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in clinical research.
• Level I: Strong written and verbal communication skills; customer service focused. Familiarity with PeopleSoft, UFIRST, and other UF systems. Working knowledge of research administration systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (basic formulas, sorting/filtering). Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures. Self-starter, diplomatic, proactive, and able to manage stress and competing priorities to meet deadlines. High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards. Ability to work independently, consulting with appropriate parties as needed.
• Level II: Strong written and verbal communication skills; customer service focused. Familiarity with PeopleSoft, UFIRST, and other UF systems. Working knowledge of research administration systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (basic formulas, sorting/filtering). Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures. Self-starter, diplomatic, proactive, and able to manage stress and competing priorities to meet deadlines. High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards. Ability to work independently, consulting with appropriate parties as needed.
• Level III: Strong written and verbal communication skills; customer service focused. Familiarity with PeopleSoft, UFIRST, and other UF systems. Working knowledge of research administration systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (basic formulas, sorting/filtering). Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures. Self-starter, diplomatic, proactive, and able to manage stress and competing priorities to meet deadlines. High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards. Ability to work independently, consulting with appropriate parties as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned portfolio of sponsored projects from inception through closeout.
• Provide pre-award proposal support, including budget development and review of sponsor requirements.
• Monitor post-award activities, including expenditures, budget reconciliation, and award closeout.
• Ensure seamless navigation through regulatory requirements.
• Actively engage with faculty and departmental staff to ensure accurate representation and administration of sponsored projects.
• Seek creative and proactive solutions to project and organizational challenges.
• Escalate complex items as appropriate.
• Work with increasing independence over time.
• Assist ERM departments with preparation of clinical trials including but not limited to budget, scope of work, processes, and submission in UFIRST.

Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Florida Retirement System Retirement Plans
• Paid Time Off (11 paid holidays, in addition to paid family, sick and vacation leave)
• Personal and Professional Development Opportunities (UF Training & Organization Development, LinkedIn Learning)
• Tuition Assistance (UF Employee Education Program)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

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