Grants Specialist, Astronomy Program

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

An esteemed university in Austin is seeking a dedicated research administrator to manage grant proposals, ensure compliance with regulations, and support faculty in funding efforts. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, at least three years of relevant experience, and proficiency in research management systems. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant academic community committed to innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in research grant and contract proposals.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations.
• Experience with financial and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sponsored project proposals for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare and coordinate subawards and additional contractual agreements.
• Assist with post-award management processes and reporting.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Customer service

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field

Professional certification (CRA, CFRA, CPRA)

Tools

UT Research Management System (UTRMS)

Job description

* Pre-Award. Review and analyze faculty and researchers’ sponsored project proposals for compliance with sponsor, federal, state, local, and university guidelines and regulations, including drafting and renewing research agreements. Provides grant proposal development support, including meeting with Principal Investigators (PIs), researching the submission process, communicating with sponsors, creating detailed budgets and justifications, providing templates for administrative proposal documents, reviewing and suggesting edits when proposals do not meet criteria, and managing change requests.* Proposal Systems. Use internal and external systems related to electronic proposal and subcontract submissions, including UT Research Management System (UTRMS), as well as external sponsor proposal systems like NSF Fastlane, CLane, Cayuse, Research.gov, and Grants.gov. Ensure accurate and timely submissions through the submission portals and track the status of submitted proposals.* Subaward Support. Prepare and coordinate subawards, modifications, and additional contractual agreements under the award that comply with the prime sponsor's requirements, including all relevant federal, state, and University policies and regulations. Manage subrecipient monitoring activities, such as collecting subrecipient audit reports, researching compliance information, and billing for activities.* Post Award: Work with the business office team members, PIs, and OSP to streamline post-award management processes. This includes budget analysis, projection creation, account setup, credit requests, grant overdrafts, incremental budgets, identification of staff appointments on grants, resolution of inconsistencies, budget reallocation recommendations, and management of expiring awards. Assist with post-award amendments through OSP, including processing cost and no-cost extensions, and credit authorizations. Support the contract closeout process and respond to audit inquiries. Ensure compliance with internal and external policies and procedures, including institutional, sponsor-specific, Federal OMB Circular policies, and Uniform Guidance (CFR-200).* Reporting. Assist with the annual and ad hoc reports, including pre- and post-award metrics, and analyze trends. Develop training, guidance, and informational materials for faculty and staff regarding sponsored research. Attend conferences, presentations, and related campus research administration groups to stay current on new rules and trends in research administration. Share OSP and sponsor updates, funding opportunities, and useful proposal tips.* Office Administration. Performs related duties as required, including supporting the business office’s team and responsibilities. At the direction of the director, assist with assignments, tasks, or duties outside regular job duties.* Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, social sciences, or related field.* At least three (3) years of experience in the preparation, processing, and/or negotiation of research grant and contract proposals.* Proficiency with multiple forms of information technology, including web-based, word processing, data entry, managing electronic information, and database administration.* Ability to research, read, interpret, and apply complex and varying regulations.* Ability to analyze and synthesize complex concepts and technical details and transfer them into written documents.* Experience with budget and financial management.* Effective written and oral communication skills, as well as diplomacy and discretion.* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.* Self-starter with solution-oriented customer service, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.* Ability to work under pressure, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.* Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines and frequent interruptions while maintaining a high level of customer service.* Works collaboratively with team members, faculty, staff, and students, providing assistance as needed.* Professional demeanor, punctuality, and good attendance are important.* At least one professional certification related to the position, such as a Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), and Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA).* One or more years of project management experience related to research or grant administration in higher education, research organizations, or a related environment.* Four (4) years of professional experience focused on research administration or other regulatory compliance in an active research setting.* Experience using UT’s Research Management System (UTRMS).* Experience with proposal submission to federal agencies, including NSF.* Knowledge of federal project guidelines pertaining to institutions of higher education.* Experience with UT accounting policies and procedures for sponsored projects.**Start Here, Change the World**At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world.Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.Please see our .**Comments and Inquiries:**Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact .Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: . For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].