Research Coordinator - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for the Research Coordinator position in the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center within the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment. This full-time role supports research activities and serves as a liaison among research personnel, funding agencies, and university units.

Responsibilities include coordinating hiring, travel, budgets, reporting, and compliance; assisting with grant submissions and subawards; and helping

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, liberal arts, or business administration.
• 1 year of experience coordinating research in academic, private, or relevant public/nonprofit settings.
• Experience with budgets, reporting, and grant-related processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate hiring of research staff, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students.
• Facilitate internal communications with HR, SPA or ISSS on travel, salary, and visa tasks.
• Track research progress and prepare progress reports and extension documentation for funders.
• Assist in preparation of grant proposals, budgets, biosketches, and compliance documents.
• Coordinate procurement and purchasing; arrange conference and field data collection travel; support subaward administration.

Skills

Attention to detail

Deadline management

MS Office & Google tools

Policy learning readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Research Coordinator - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center

Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

Job Summary

The Research Coordinator coordinates research activities within the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, serving as a key liaison among research personnel, funding agencies, and university administrative units. By managing these critical aspects of the research enterprise, this role ensures projects run smoothly from a research reporting and output delivery, financial, compliance, and logistical standpoint, allowing faculty and researchers to focus on advancing their scientific work.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research Administration:
  • Coordinate the hiring of Research staff, Postdocs, Graduate and Undergraduate students.
  • Coordinate and facilitate internal communications with university HR, SPA or ISSS on personnel-related tasks such as travel planning, reimbursement, salary, and visa.
  • Track research project progress and prepare progress reports, and extension request documentation to the funding agencies.
  • Support to manage project finance and its reporting to the funding agencies in compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
  • Monitor staffing across the grant portfolio and identify what roles need to be filled to meet project goals.
  • Assist in planning and coordinating scientific meetings, workshops, and seminars, including logistics, agendas, and materials.
• Research Administrative Oversight:
  • Assist in the preparation, formatting, and timely submission of grant proposals, including budgets, biosketches, and compliance documents.
  • Coordinate procurement and purchasing for projects in accordance with University of Illinois policies and procedures.
  • Assist in arranging conference and field data collection travel for lab members. Support subcontract and subaward administration as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, liberal arts, or business administration
• One year of experience with research coordination in an academic, private, or relevant public/nonprofit environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience with administrative management of research projects
• Demonstrated experience with budget and project management
• Experience with grant submissions and lifecycles
• Familiarity with federal grant compliance (e.g., NSF, USDA, NASA) and university financial systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Google products
• Willingness to learn University of Illinois and federal compliance policies

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Requisition ID: 1037993

Job Category: Research

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].