The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) seeks a motivated, organized and service-oriented professional to assume a key grant reviewer and research administrator role.

The temporary Senior Sponsored Research Specialist will support research and scholarly activity by exploring funding opportunities, assisting in proposal development and preparation, reviewing and negotiating externally and internally funded projects or agreements, assisting with various pre- and post-award administration functions and assuring ethical and regulatory compliance on behalf of the University. Liaison with research faculty and central administration personnel as well as external sponsors in support of the UI’s research mission.

Education or Equivalency Required
A Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrate extensive, typically 3-5 years, research administration experience.
• For Grant administrators, demonstrate extensive, typically 3-5 years, of grant proposal review experience.
• For Contract administrators, demonstrate extensive, typically 3-5 years, of contract review and negotiation experience.
• For Outgoing subaward administrators, demonstrate extensive, typically 3-5 years, of outgoing subaward drafting, review, and negotiation experience.
• Demonstrate working level proficiency with computer software applications; e.g. able to perform first-level problem resolution before seeking help elsewhere.
• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current state and federal sponsored research regulations as they relate to research administration and higher education institutions.
• Ability to work autonomously, problem solve, and work under pressure in a high-volume deadline driven environment, effectively balancing speed and accuracy.
• Must thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and have the organizational skills to manage a large workload in a changing environment.
• Demonstrate independent judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work within a team and alone or with limited guidance, as appropriate.
• Ability to successfully work remotely for sustained periods of time.

Desirable Qualifications
Any of the following:

• Ability to handle a complex portfolio of work in an intensive multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures without sacrificing accuracy or customer service.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), JD, MBA.
• Research administration and compliance experience with an institution of higher education, research institute, non-profit organization, federal agency, or other organization.
• Working knowledge of higher education policies, procedures, and regulations related to research administration.
• Experience working with an academic sponsored-research information system.
• Experience creating and submitting grant proposals through e-systems (e.g., Cayuse, NIH eRA Commons, Research.gov, grants.gov).
• Experience drafting and negotiating subawards under federal or non-federal pass-through funding.
• Experience in government, industry, or health-care contracting.
• Contracting experience with federal or non-federal sponsors.
• A working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience drafting and negotiating any of the following types of agreements:  sponsored research agreements, corporate funded clinical trials, confidentiality agreements, data transfer and use agreements, material transfer agreements, or industry research agreements.

Pay is commensurate with experience within the 5A hourly pay level.