Coordinator, Research Center (Administrative Support)

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science•North Chicago, IL

9d•$56,589 - $60,000

About The Position

The Research Center Coordinator provides administrative support and coordination for biomedical research center programs and their research missions, working closely with Center Directors, Principal Investigators, and research staff. This is an administrative support position and does not require research experience. The role provides lifecycle pre- and post-award research administration, ensuring grant and contract requirements and compliance obligations are met. It manages day-to-day research administration in accordance with applicable local, state, federal, and institutional rules and regulations. The Coordinator oversees sponsored-project portfolios and center operating budgets, supports grant proposal preparation and submission, monitors project finances and personnel effort commitments, and facilitates account closeout. The position also provides broad administrative support across the university’s research enterprise, coordinates activities among centers and internal offices, prepares meeting and conference materials, develops reports, and maintains collegial relationships with internal and external colleagues. The position is full-time. A flexible work arrangement may be considered after the training period, but not before 90 days. The position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an appropriate combination of education and experience.
3–5 years of administrative support experience.
Experience with budgeting and financial management.
General understanding of accounting principles.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Problem-solving and critical-thinking ability.
Ability to manage and determine priorities, details, and tasks accurately and efficiently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
Ability to make sound and accurate decisions using professional judgment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to exhibit sensitivity and respect in all aspects of the job.
Strong, positive work ethic and a high level of integrity.
Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in research administration or a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Manage pre-award administration of grants and contracts.
Obtain required approvals for routing sheets in preparation for grant submission.
Complete and pre-approve proposal components in InfoEd or sponsor package forms.
Assist in preparing proposal budgets, including personnel effort commitments.
Ensure appropriate regulatory protocols are established and completed, including IRB, IACUC, EHS, and Conflict of Interest requirements.
Manage post-award administration of research grants and contracts from inception through account closeout.
Oversee the center’s sponsored-project portfolio and operating budgets.
Manage effort commitments for key project personnel and pre-approve Key Personnel Effort Forms using the Effort Reporting System.
Monitor center project account balances and ensure expenditures comply with sponsor rules.
Review award budget status, identify issues, and monitor or suggest changes and needs to Principal Investigators.
Provide the Office of Sponsored Research and Principal Investigators with financial data for interim and final financial and technical progress reports.
Facilitate account closeout activities, coordinating with the Office of Sponsored Research as needed.
Perform administrative support functions for the Center Director, faculty, and staff across the research enterprise.
Assume other Research Center Coordinator tasks as needed and as delegated by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research.
Coordinate activities among Directors, Centers, OSR, EHS, BRF, and IRB.
Prepare and compile materials for meetings, conferences, and seminars.
Establish and maintain collegial relationships with internal and external colleagues.
Provide and develop reports using online tools.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President for Research, Director of Research Administration, and/or Center Director.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Paid parental leave.
Short-term and long-term disability plans.
Life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
403(b) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service.
Three weeks of vacation/personal leave for full-time staff.
15 sick days.
9 paid holidays.
Paid winter break.
Two floating holidays.