Research Analyst

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington seeks a Research Analyst to independently manage and provide advanced financial analysis for a complex sponsored research portfolio across Neurology and Neurological Surgery. You will oversee budgets, forecasting, compliance, subawards, and pre-/post-award operations, partnering with PIs and leadership to drive financial strategy.

Responsibilities include budgeting, invoicing oversight, variance analysis, and developing standardized tools to improve processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and analyze sponsored research awards and contracts, including complex multi-year budgets.
• Partner with PIs to develop, model, and refine proposal budgets, including personnel effort, subawards, payroll allocations, and cost share.
• Provide scenario-based financial projections to assess feasibility of proposed research and staffing models.
• Monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and recommend adjustments to align with sponsor requirements and goals.
• Lead financial reviews with PIs, interpreting data and guiding on spending, re-budgeting, and forecasting.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial modeling

Financial analysis

Communication

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's in finance

Master’s degree

Tools

Workday

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Neurological Surgery has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Analyst to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Grants and Contracts Manager, the Research Analyst is responsible for independently managing and providing advanced financial analysis for a complex sponsored research portfolio across the Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, including budget development, forecasting, compliance oversight, subaward management, and strategic financial advising to principal investigators and departmental leadership. This position also coordinates pre- and post-award research administration, supports clinical trial and sponsored project operations, develops standardized financial tools and processes, drives continuous process improvement, and contributes to departmental research, financial, and operational initiatives.

Job Description

The Department of Neurological Surgery has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Analyst to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Grants and Contracts Manager, the Research Analyst is responsible for independently managing and providing advanced financial analysis for a complex sponsored research portfolio across the Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, including budget development, forecasting, compliance oversight, subaward management, and strategic financial advising to principal investigators and departmental leadership. This position also coordinates pre- and post-award research administration, supports clinical trial and sponsored project operations, develops standardized financial tools and processes, drives continuous process improvement, and contributes to departmental research, financial, and operational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Research Portfolio Financial Analysis & Management (60%)

• Independently manage and analyze sponsored research awards and contracts, including complex multi-year budgets.
• Partner directly with PIs to develop, model, and refine proposal budgets, including personnel effort, subawards, payroll allocations, and cost share.
• Provide scenario-based financial projections to assess feasibility of proposed research and staffing models.
• Monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and recommend adjustments to ensure alignment with sponsor requirements and project goals.
• Lead regular financial reviews with PIs, providing interpretation of financial data and guidance on allowable spending, re-budgeting, and forecasting.
• Oversee financial components of incoming and outgoing subawards, including budget development, invoicing review, reconciliation, and compliance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor, federal, and institutional policies and regulations.
• Independently identify projects or labs at risk of funding shortfalls and provide recommendations regarding spending adjustments, staffing reductions, or other corrective actions.

Pre- and Post-Award Strategy & Coordination (20%)

• Collaborate with PIs, central pre-award teams, and research administration to support proposal development and submission.
• Analyze sponsor guidelines and funding requirements to develop compliant and accurate proposal budgets.
• Coordinate award setup, budget reconciliation, and ongoing post-award financial management activities.
• Support clinical trial budgeting, invoicing, payment tracking, and sponsor reconciliation activities in coordination with study teams and sponsors.
• Coordinate and monitor incoming and outgoing subaward activity.
• Meet regularly with PIs to review financial projections and staffing sustainability concerns.

Program Operations & Process Improvement (15%)

• Evaluate research administration and financial management processes and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Develop and standardize budget templates, financial tracking tools, and reporting structures across both departments.
• Maintain and update SOPs to support compliance, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Develop financial reports and forecasting tools for departmental leadership and faculty.
• Contribute to operational planning efforts related to research program growth and long-term sustainability.

Other Duties (5%)

• Participate in special projects related to research operations, financial modeling, and program development.
• Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on budgeting practices, compliance requirements, and financial management tools.
• Assist with ad hoc financial analysis and operational reporting requests.
• Support departmental initiatives related to sponsored research administration and operational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, fiscal operations or grant management.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex grant or program budgets.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to independently analyze financial data and provide recommendations.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple PIs, funding sources, and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of sponsored research regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience in an academic healthcare or research environment.
• Experience with Workday and UW financial systems.
• Experience managing complex or large-scale sponsored research awards.
• Experience supporting clinical trial budgeting and invoicing activities.
• Master’s degree in a related field.

Working Conditions

This position requires up to 3 days of on-site work each week at the department’s various administrative locations at Harborview and UW Medical Center.

Application Requirement

• This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.
• Your letter should outline your interest in the position, highlight relevant experience or qualifications, and explain how you would add value to the team or organization. It must be specific to this role.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$61,080.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$78,000.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail]. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.