Pre-/Post-Award Subject Matter Expert

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; Remote; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Pre-/Post-Award Research Administration Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead research administration across the School of Medicine. The role requires independent judgment on complex policies and the ability to drive compliant, efficient processes aligned with institutional goals.

Flexible work arrangements with virtual location; candidate will advise SOM leadership and collaborate with faculty and staff to advance research funding initiatives

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state research funding policies.
• Strong problem-solving and mentoring skills.
• Pre- and post-award experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation and continuous improvement of research administration processes.
• Ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to SOM leadership, faculty, and staff.

Skills

Funding policies

Mentoring

Pre-award experience

Post-award experience

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

Flexible work arrangements, including virtual/hybrid work locations, are an integral part of the School of Medicine’s Working Forward initiative. As such, this position’s work location is designated as virtual. Please note that the designated work location is subject to change based on the unit’s business needs.
The Pre-/Post-Award Research Administration Subject Matter Expert ( SME ) serves as a strategic leader and operational authority for research administration across the School of Medicine ( SOM ). This role is responsible for exercising independent judgment and discretion on matters of significance, including the interpretation and application of complex federal, state, and institutional policies. The SME leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research administration processes, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals. The position requires the ability to make critical decisions that impact research operations, funding, and compliance, and to serve as a trusted advisor to SOM leadership, faculty, and staff.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Mid- to late-career with Masters and 2- 4 yrs experience; Bachelors and 3-5 yrs experience

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state research funding policies.
• Strong problem-solving and mentoring skills.
• Pre- and post-award experience.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Research Administration ( CRA ) Certification.
• Experience managing complex grants or clinical trial funding.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above
• * Describe your experience managing the full lifecycle of sponsored projects (cradle-to-grave), including both pre- and post-award responsibilities. What specific departmental tasks have you handled related to proposal development, budget preparation, award setup, financial management, compliance, and closeout?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Briefly describe your experience with pre- and/or post-award research administration, including the types of sponsors (e.g., NIH, NSF, industry, foundations) and funding mechanisms you have worked with.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Have you identified and improved a process or workflow in a previous role? If so, briefly describe what you did.

  (Open Ended Question)