Research Coordinator - Oak Ridge Innovation Institute - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) at the University of Tennessee seeks to hire one full-time Research Coordinator to provide technical support and assistance to faculty and staff in the preparation of applications for external funding. UT-ORII is jointly led by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to strategically align the expertise and infrastructure of both organizations to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education. UT-ORII Research Services provides concierge level support to approximately 100 research faculty and staff scientists. This position is expected to perform complex functions associated with proposal preparation and review and will work closely with UT-ORII faculty to ensure successful proposal submission. Functions include faculty education/training, proposal and budget development, solicitation interpretation, proposal assembly, compliance review, and ensuring conformance with university, state and federal policy. UT-ORII is committed to the professional development of its team and encourages attendance at NCURA, SRA or other member organizations pertinent to the research administration field. This position can be fully remote, in-person or hybrid, with occasional travel to Knoxville, TN.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
Minimum of 3 years’ experience interpreting and applying federal regulations relative to sponsored research in a university environment
Experience with grant and contract policies of state, federal, private, and non-profit funding agencies
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively and tactfully with personnel at all levels
Superior critical analyses abilities; keen attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Outstanding, proactive problem-solving skills
Superior customer service skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines
Excellent organizational skills
Project management skills
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office software
Working knowledge of myriad funding agency-specific guidelines relative to sponsored research
Demonstrated ability to work and/or lead within a team
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively and tactfully with personnel at all levels
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Certification
Experience with grant and contract policies of state, federal, private, and non-profit funding agencies
Knowledge of uniform guidance.
Knowledge of and experience working in institutions of higher education
Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Cayuse.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to faculty, postdoctoral associates, and graduate students relative to all aspects of proposal support including dissemination of funding opportunities, analysis and interpretation of funding agency opportunities (e.g., solicitations, request for proposals, program guidelines), grants management system(s) support, proposal preparation timeline(s) and checklists, budget development, facilitation of internal/external collaborative arrangements, and proposal submission assistance to the funding agency
Collaborate with internal and external constituencies in order to obtain and review necessary components for a successful application
Coordinate and review subrecipient documentation required by sponsor and by UTK
Coordinate the strategic development of large proposals (multi-year, multi-investigator projects in excess of $2 million/year); identify senior participants and research partners, both internal and external to the University (e.g., other universities, national laboratories, private industry)
Provide rule-driven copy-editing (language, mechanics, and conformance to guidelines of publisher or funding agency) for research proposals
Ensure alignment between technical application and budget plans; ensure adequate approvals for resources pledged by the University have been obtained prior to submission
Ensure the resolution of all sponsored programs related issues in a timely manner and serve as a liaison between UT-ORII faculty and UTK’s Division of Research Administration.
Serve as a subject matter expert on proposal guidelines, funder requirements, university and federal guidelines, including 2 CFR 200 Administration and Service
Serves as a backup reviewer & approver for the Manager of Research Services for all external funding proposals on behalf of the Institute – work with faculty in the submission of just in time, or post submission requests to DRA and sponsor.
Deliver research related training to new UT-ORII faculty (e.g. budget development, cost principles, compliance, RFP review)
Serve as an Institute liaison with multiple units on campus (Departments, Colleges, UT Sister campuses, ORIED, DRA, etc.) to facilitate collaborative research activities and successful proposal submissions
Participate in university committees to discuss sponsored programs related issues.
Support UT-ORII in continuing relationships and collaborations between the University of Tennessee and ORNL.