Research Support Manager - Department of Surgery

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Support Manager handles the Department of Surgery’s research mission across pre- and post-award processes. The position manages sponsor-funded and internally funded projects, as well as research commitments supported by start-up, bridge, or incentive funding. It oversees research-related mentorship meetings and finance and research journal clubs, and provides administrative supervision to laboratory staff and other research support personnel, including onboarding, access requests, payroll and time-off approvals, compliance oversight, and tuition payments as needed. Working with the Vice Chair for Education and Vice Chair for Research, the manager administers the clinical research residency program and any future training grants. The role assesses research staffing needs and funding availability, participates in searches, and provides final review and approval of financial and human-resource transactions on sponsored funds. It also supports research planning, grant development and administration, financial monitoring, staff supervision, and coordination with internal departments and external funding agencies. This is a regular salaried position located on the University of Iowa Main Campus in Iowa City, Iowa. It is 100% time, or 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years of accounting experience.
At least three years of grants administration experience.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience managing complex information requiring attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and in computer software applications.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting.
Knowledge of finance and accounting practices, financial analysis, and reporting, and the ability to apply this knowledge appropriately.
Knowledge of and ability to use processes, tools, and services for developing and managing grants and contracts.
Knowledge of contractual, compliance, and legal matters related to grant expenditures from federal, state, and private funding agencies, and ability to evaluate, interpret, and improve language in grant agreements.
Submit a resume or CV and cover letter with the application.
Successful candidates must self-disclose conviction history and complete a criminal background check and credential and education verification. Up to five professional references may be requested later in recruitment.
The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Nice To Haves

Experience with grant budget preparation and monitoring.
Experience managing and supervising staff.
Knowledge of University of Iowa Health Care practices, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of NIH rules and regulations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and coordinate multiple duties.

Responsibilities

Identify trends and determine priorities for the Department of Surgery.
Develop and monitor financial plans; analyze multi-year data to project future needs and recommend budgets and plans to administration.
Provide final departmental approval of financial and human-resource transactions on sponsored funds.
Hire, train, and develop Department of Surgery employees.
Serve on the Department of Surgery administration finance team and Research Administration Team.
Supervise and lead the departmental research team, including accountants, research assistants, clinical trials coordinators, graduate research assistants, undergraduate students, and laboratory appointees.
Coordinate the Carver College of Medicine summer medical student program, including determining funding, onboarding interns, and arranging access before their start dates.
Ensure accountants monitor grant expenditures and compliance.
Review and approve grant budgets and proposals.
Advise departmental leaders on policies and systems to streamline the grant process.
Develop plans for future grant submissions, including training grants.
Liaise with internal departments and external agencies; communicate with the Division of Sponsored Programs and Grant Accounting Office about grants, year-end reporting, closeout, and audit questions.
Prepare and negotiate private-industry sponsored funding opportunities and support research-funding transfers for new faculty.
Provide training to finance and administrative teams on Excel, UIRIS, Cayuse, Protrav, and other online systems.
Create and maintain an operations manual for the administrative team and Department of Surgery laboratories.
Review and monitor monthly and periodic financial reports; create and monitor a research financial matrix measuring sustainability and productivity; and proactively investigate discrepancies to minimize risk.
Meet regularly with faculty to review research milestones and budget issues.
Oversee mentorship meetings for junior faculty and monthly or quarterly finance and research journal clubs.
Assess the need for additional research staff and funding availability, and serve on search committees for posted positions.
Assist with onboarding by requesting access to laboratories, shared files, and system programs; approve payroll and time-off requests; oversee compliance; and process tuition payments as needed.
Work with the Vice Chair for Education and Vice Chair for Research to administer the clinical research residency program and future training grants.
Perform other duties or projects assigned by the supervisor.
Demonstrate respect for members of the University community and represent University and unit leadership interests in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands.
Promote continual process and quality improvement and pursue professional knowledge, skills, abilities, and career development.