Post-Award Research Administrator

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.
We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:
The School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Post-Award Research Administrator II to join the Dean’s Office. Reporting to the Director of Research Administration, this position plays a critical role in supporting faculty and research teams by managing the administrative and financial aspects of sponsored projects. The Post-Award Research Administrator II is responsible for a broad range of post-award activities, including award management, re-budgeting, award execution and compliance, and project closeout. With a strong emphasis on accuracy, organization, and customer service, this role ensures that research projects run smoothly, comply with sponsor and university requirements, and are positioned for long-term success.

Rice University’s School of Engineering and Computing is consistently ranked among the nation’s top engineering schools and is home to several highly ranked graduate programs. Faculty research in the school is exceptionally well supported, with funding from major federal agencies and foundations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), ARPA-H, ARPA-E, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), the Welch Foundation, the Dunn Foundation, the Mathers Foundation, and other private foundations and industry partners. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated research administrator to contribute to a thriving academic research environment while building their expertise in post-award administration.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and collaborative professional with a strong foundation in post-award research administration, complemented by broad knowledge of proposal development, budget management, collaborative proposal efforts, and submission coordination. They are adept at interpreting complex sponsor guidelines, developing budgets, and ensuring compliance throughout all stages of the research funding lifecycle. With strong organizational and communication skills, they work effectively with faculty, staff, and central offices to support the seamless and successful administration of sponsored projects.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is fully remote, permitting all tasks to be completed from any location within the United States. This position requires attendance at in-person meetings on campus at least once annually, with additional on-site participation as needed. Working hours will remain Central Standard Time. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $70,000 – $75,000
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
  • In lieu of education, additional related experience beyond what is required may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
• 2+ years of relevant experience

Skills:

• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software applications
• Familiarity with research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple and competing deadlines
• Demonstrated customer service orientation
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to take initiative and assume ownership of projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferences:

• Experience working in academic settings
• Experience with Oracle-based or similar ERP systems
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and database software programs
• Advanced data reporting skills

Essential Functions:

• Advises the Principal Investigator (PI) on administrative requirements in proposal preparation and ensures guidelines are followed for proposal formatting and submission requirements
• Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI
• Prepares forms for cost sharing, if applicable
• Monitors compliance with agency and university regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information
• Ensures subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI
• Verifies Cayuse record is complete and accurate and works with OSR for submission to sponsor
• Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks, and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for financial and progress reports as needed
• Works with faculty to ensure all charges are allocated properly
• Identifies the need for and requests no-cost extensions
• Participates in account closeout activities
  • Serves as a liaison with OSR and RCA
  • Manages and maintains records, files, and reports
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Provides analysis and recommendations to PIs to ensure sound financial management of sponsored projects
• Assists in establishing procedures at the school level related to post-award administration

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.