Research Support Specialist

SRA International; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Grants and Research Services Center (GRSC) at the University of Iowa seeks a Research Support Specialist to support pre-award activities and training in post-award areas. The role emphasizes coordination, data management, and compliance across departments within the College of Education.

Hybrid work is available, with on-campus presence required weekly. Full-time appointment with potential for growth in research development and awards processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in business, finance, accounting or related field.
• 1–3 years of grant-related experience.
• Familiarity with budgets and budget preparation in an administrative role.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate information between GRSC staff, PIs, Sponsoring Agencies, the Division of Sponsored Programs, and Grant Accounting.
• Update database weekly to reflect grant submission/awards/appointments and enter faculty/staff effort.
• Review grant funding regulations to identify/update guideline information for submissions.
• Work with Research Manager to evaluate RFPs and prepare/route proposals.
• Provide administrative support (inquiries, data collection, analysis, meeting minutes).
• Interact with sponsored programs and grant offices on policies.
• Communicate with University units regarding contracts and grants within the College of Education.

Skills

Grant experience

Budgeting

Communication

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/accounting or related field

Tools

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

The Grants and Research Services Center (GRSC) team seeks applicants who are eager to support grant and research administration services in the College of Education. The Research Support Specialist is in the GRSC and will work closely with the entire team to ensure high quality grant submissions. The position will focus on pre-award activities initially and will also include opportunities to be trained in post-award and research development activities.

Work Modality:

A hybrid (remote/on campus) work arrangement may be available. GRCS staff is on campus in the office during each week. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. The GRSC is in the Lindquist Center. This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Appointment:

Full time, P&S Specified Term Three (3) Year Appointment.

Specific Job Duties and Tasks:

• Coordinate information between GRSC staff, PI’s, Sponsoring Agencies, the Division of Sponsored Programs, and Grant Accounting.
• Update database weekly to reflect grant submission/awards/appointments and enter faculty/staff effort.
• Perform routine review of grant funding agency regulations to identify/obtain specific grant or guideline information and updates to assure information is integrated into grant submission documents appropriately.
• Work with Research Manager evaluate requests for proposals (RFP); prepare and review proposals to assure completeness; route proposals.
• Perform other administrative support tasks in support of the research (e.g., respond to inquiries, data collection, analysis and management; prepare agendas, prepare meeting minutes, etc.).
• Provide extensive contact with sponsored programs, grant accounting and federal and non-federal agencies and provide counsel and assistance to Pl's on internal and external policies
• Interact with departmental administrators and principal investigators from other departments and colleges; interact with Grant Accounting, Division of Sponsored Programs, Accounts Payable, and Program Officers
  regarding inquiries about contracts and grants.
• Communicate with University of Iowa units regarding inquiries about contracts and grants within the College of Education.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. in business, finance, accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• One to three years of grant related experience.
• Familiarity with budgets and budget preparation in an administrative role.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Demonstrated experience with Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated experience working in a dynamic and fast paced environment under deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications

• Basic understanding of post-award grant accounting.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures and regulations.
• Experience developing and managing grant budgets, including interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines and cost principles.
• Experience working with the University of Iowa grant and financial systems.
• Experience with grants and office management.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions, contact Alex Schutman at [e-mail]

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 4A . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.