Research Administrator

Boise State University; Boise (ID); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Retirement benefits

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Boise State University is seeking a Research Administrator to provide financial and administrative management for sponsored project budgets in the College of Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Hub. Responsibilities include pre-award and post-award administration, budget analysis, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The role may offer a hybrid work schedule with on-site needs at Boise State and possible work location flexibility within Idaho.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
• Direct experience in research administration and/or university software modules such as Oracle.
• Familiarity with federal, state and university policies and regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review budgets and budget justifications to assist proposals and submissions.
• Monitor expenses and revenues for grants; identify/crompt the errors in a timely manner.
• Provide regular budget status reports to PIs and assist in resolving deficits.
• Process payroll verification and HR-related forms as needed by the college.
• Submit BAR and No-Cost Extension requests in collaboration with the PI.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Budgeting experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Job Summary/Basic Function:

This position provides financial and administrative management and analysis for sponsored project budgets within the College of Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Hub. Provides pre- & post-award research administration, ensuring all activities are completed in compliance with associated local, state, federal & institutional rules & regulations. Completes expenditure analysis, approvals, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.

This position may have the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule where a mix of in-person work from a Boise State worksite and an alternative work location within the State of Idaho is utilized. Candidates must be able to work on-site as needed.

Department Overview:

The College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Research and Creative Activity Hub provides centralized research administration support to various departments within the College.

Level Scope:

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

Essential Functions:

90% of Time the Research Administrator must:

Preaward & Award Setup

• Review, analyze, and edit budgets and budget justifications to assist departmental faculty with proposal submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors.


• Work with the principal investigators (PI) during the budget review to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and university policies.


• Review and approve all budget-related documentation in the proposal routing system.


• Submit advance spending requests to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) as appropriate.


• Complete internal cost share form for proposals.


• Assist in the setup of the award, including providing surplus/deficit accounts, indirect cost (F&A) allocation accounts, and determining the number of projects needed for the award.

Postaward

• Monitor expenses and revenues for grants; identify, research and correct errors on a timely basis to ensure costs are consistently and properly allocated.


• Provide principal investigators with regular (e.g. monthly) budget status reports summarizing expenditures to date and projected expenditures through the end of the budget period; advise on potential budgetary problems. Work with PIs to resolve or mitigate deficits in project budgets.


• Process employee forms as assigned by the college, including employee costing changes, hires, additional compensation, and separations.


• Initiate and process payment requests as assigned by the college, including requisitions, independent contractors, and invoice payments.


• Review and process invoices submitted by subrecipients under subaward agreements to ensure completeness and compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.


• Manage cost share commitments by working with departments for funding sources, ensuring costs are appropriately expended, and resolving complex issues regarding commitments.


• Submit budget adjustment requests (BAR) to the OSP as appropriate.


• Initiate and submit No-Cost Extension (NCE) requests in collaboration with the PI.


• Serve as the primary administrative liaison for sponsored project award closeout activities, ensuring all closeout requirements are completed in a timely manner.


• Assist PIs with reviewing payroll verification reports for accuracy.


• Compile available funding sources and effort needs for PI summer salary requests. Work with the PI (and interdepartmental staff as needed) to finalize summer salary plans and submit appropriate HR required forms.

Communication and Compliance:

• Provide guidance and counsel on complex research administration matters to principal investigators and department administrators including compliance regulations.


• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), college leadership, and P2P (Procure-to-Pay) to ensure compliance with university and granting agency policies. Advise department faculty and staff on university and granting agency policies.


• Review and remain current with all new and existing Federal and State regulations, including attending applicable webinars, external training, and university-specific training.


• Provide documentation and information in support of OSP audits.


• Collaborate with principal investigators in developing plans (and contingency plans) to meet identified needs; provide general guidance and counsel on a wide variety of routine research administration matters to principal investigators, senior unit administrators, and less experienced unit staff.


• Interpret regulations and guidelines for program funding (both university and agency) for grants with various complexities. Ensure compliance through application of regulation and guideline knowledge.


• Identify opportunities for process improvement and provide recommendations for leadership review.


• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all grant accounts and records.

10% of Time the Research Administrator must:

Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations


• High level of attention to detail and accuracy


• Ability to research problems/issues to formulate solutions


• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills


• Demonstrated skill in accounting, organizational, and interpersonal skills


• Adapt to changing assignments and multiple priorities


• Ability to plan work, set priorities, and respond to pressures, deadlines, and changes in schedules and priorities


• Interact effectively as a member of a team and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as a team member


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive information

MinimumQualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience in research administration and/or university software modules such as Oracle.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $55,057.60 to $62,400 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)


• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service


• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)


• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)


• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages


• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents


• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

• Resume


• Cover Letter

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/