Research Associate

SRA International; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi’s National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) seeks a Research Associate to support sponsored research programs and assist with research administration and technical project support. Responsibilities include planning based on cost, schedule, and technical requirements, and preparing proposals and reports for sponsored programs.

The role involves managing fiscal affairs of sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university guidelines, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Experience in technical project management, particularly involving federally funded research programs, is preferred but not required.
• Eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting externally funded research programs.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and objectives based on cost, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and research support to identify funding opportunities, project requirements, and available resources.
• Prepare technical proposals, reports, and other documentation for sponsored research programs.
• Assist in managing the fiscal affairs of sponsored projects and monitor compliance with sponsor and University requirements.
• Work closely with the NCPA Business Manager on project administration and financial management.
• Assist with onboarding and administrative support of staff, undergraduate, and graduate student researchers.
• Provide administrative and project support to NCPA research groups as needed.
• Manage multiple priorities and apply effective time management practices to meet project deadlines.

Skills

Project management

Research administration

Funding opportunities

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

The University of Mississippi (UM) National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) is seeking a Research Associate to support sponsored research programs. The successful candidate will assist with research administration and technical project support by developing short- and long-range plans and objectives based on cost, schedule, and technical requirements. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance and research support to identify funding opportunities, project requirements, and available resources, as well as preparing technical proposals and reports for sponsored programs.

The Research Associate will also assist in managing the fiscal affairs of sponsored projects by establishing and maintaining policies and procedures related to fiscal operations, ensuring compliance with University of Mississippi policies and procedures as well as sponsor guidelines, and serving as a liaison between the University and external organizations, including federal and state government agencies, private industry, and collaborating universities. To fulfill these responsibilities, the Research Associate will work closely with the NCPA Business Manager.

NCPA is comprised of several interdisciplinary research groups that collaborate on experimental research activities. These teams include scientists, research staff, faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. NCPA has an established record of successfully conducting federally and commercially sponsored research. The work environment is collaborative, engaging, and team-oriented. Current research is supported by NASA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and other federal agencies and public entities.

Job Responsibilities (examples of work performed and essential functions):

The Research Associate will:

• Assist in supporting externally funded research programs.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and objectives based on cost, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and research support to identify funding opportunities, project requirements, and available resources.
• Prepare technical proposals, reports, and other documentation for sponsored research programs.
• Assist in managing the fiscal affairs of sponsored projects and monitor compliance with sponsor and University requirements.
• Work closely with the NCPA Business Manager on project administration and financial management.
• Assist with the onboarding and administrative support of staff, undergraduate, and graduate student researchers.
• Provide administrative and project support to NCPA research groups as needed.
• Manage multiple priorities and apply effective time management practices to meet project deadlines and ensure the timely completion of assigned responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications (education and experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Experience in technical project management, particularly involving federally funded research programs, is preferred but not required.
• The selected candidate must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

For full consideration, applicants should submit:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for at least three professional references