Research Business Coordinator

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

11d•$25 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Research Core Business Services (RCBS), within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, seeks a strategic, detail-driven, and highly organized professional to provide comprehensive business coordination for the University’s Research Core Facilities. Serving as a central administrative partner to seven to nine research units, the Research Business Coordinator helps ensure smooth operational, financial, and procurement functions across a diverse research environment. Working with a high degree of independence and sound judgment, the coordinator manages complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation. The role includes evaluating vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing multi-year service agreements, maintaining equipment contracts, and supporting timely, compliant procurement. The coordinator also guides unit purchasers and contributes to purchasing best practices and policy improvements. The position supports billing and invoicing, account monitoring and payment issue resolution, as well as accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and financial reporting. It collaborates with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to support compliance and research operations. Additional duties include support for human resources and payroll, facility operations, tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers. The position reports directly to the Business Manager of Research Core Business Services. It is based at the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus and requires regular onsite work. The position is onsite five days per week initially, with the possibility of limited hybrid work after six months and successful completion of training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and two years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration; or four years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of those areas.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Commitment to promoting an inclusive work environment.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, with close attention to detail.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines and frequent interruptions while maintaining customer service and professionalism.
Proficiency with software programs, including human resource and financial platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Adobe.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Finance, Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
At least one year of project management experience related to business or finance administration in higher education, research organizations, or a related environment.
At least one year of human resource administration experience and experience with programs such as MyTrack (PageUp People).
At least one year of accounts payable and accounts receivable experience.
Customer service experience in a professional environment.
Experience with BANNER, Concur, QuickBooks, Cognos, or similar financial information systems.

Responsibilities

Coordinate business operations for seven to nine research units within the University’s Research Core Facilities.
Manage complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation.
Evaluate vendors and negotiate pricing and contract terms.
Manage multi-year service agreements and maintain critical equipment contracts.
Ensure procurement processes are timely and compliant.
Provide guidance to unit purchasers and contribute to purchasing best practices and policy improvements.
Manage billing and invoicing processes, monitor accounts, and resolve payment issues.
Assist with accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and financial report preparation.
Collaborate with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to support compliance and research operations.
Assist with human resource and payroll functions.
Support daily operations of research core facilities, including tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers.