Research Business Coordinator

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

32d•$52,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

RAS2 is currently undergoing a transition to structured teams covering research administration, business operations, facilities, programming, and service centers. The RAS2 team supports several discrete research centers, institutes, or comparable entities, including Material Science Institute (MSI), Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science (OMQ) and Institute for Fundamental Science (IFS.) The unit seeks a strategic, detail-driven, and highly organized professional to provide comprehensive business coordination in support of the University’s Research Shared Service unit. Serving as a central administrative partner to three research units, the Research Business Coordinator (RBC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operational, financial, and procurement functions across a diverse and dynamic research environment. Operating with a high degree of independence and sound judgment, the RBC coordinates complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation. Responsibilities include evaluating vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing multi-year service agreements, maintaining critical equipment contracts, and ensuring timely and compliant procurement processes. The position also provides expert guidance to unit purchasers and contributes to the development of purchasing best practices and policy improvements. This role also supports key functions by managing billing and invoicing processes, monitoring accounts, and resolving payment issues. It assists with core financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and the preparation of financial reports. The RBC regularly collaborates with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to uphold regulatory compliance and support the unique needs of research operations. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage high-volume, high-complexity workflows in a fast-paced research setting. In addition, the RBC assists with human resource and payroll functions and daily operations of several centers and institutes, including administrative support for tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Finance and Administration. It is based at the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus and requires regular onsite work in accordance with team operating protocols. Remote work may be available on a limited basis following successful completion of training.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree PLUS 2 years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration.
OR Four years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures in support of 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 a high level of customer service and professionalism.
Proficiency with software programs, including human resource and financial platforms, MS 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.
1+ years of project management experience related to business or finance administration in higher education, research organizations, or a related environment.
1+ years of human resource administration and programs such as MyTrack. (PageUp People).
1+ years of experience with A/P and A/R.
Experience providing customer service in a professional environment.
Experience with BANNER, Concur, QuickBooks, Cognos, and/or similar financial information systems.

Responsibilities

Coordinates complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation.
Evaluating vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing multi-year service agreements, maintaining critical equipment contracts, and ensuring timely and compliant procurement processes.
Provides expert guidance to unit purchasers and contributes to the development of purchasing best practices and policy improvements.
Managing billing and invoicing processes, monitoring accounts, and resolving payment issues.
Assists with core financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and the preparation of financial reports.
Collaborates with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to uphold regulatory compliance and support the unique needs of research operations.
Assists with human resource and payroll functions and daily operations of several centers and institutes, including administrative support for tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers.