Sponsored Research Specialist

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs, is seeking a Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator to review and negotiate research-related agreements, including funding and subawards, and to provide administrative and compliance support. The role requires interpreting complex regulations and offering guidance to the University community.

Responsibilities include advising internal stakeholders, representing the University to sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• 1–3 years of research administration experience.
• Ability to manage a large workload in a changing environment with accuracy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Commitment to service excellence.
• Independent judgement and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work within a team or alone, with limited guidance as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate research-related agreements including funding, outgoing subawards, and non-monetary agreements.
• Provide administrative and compliance support by interpreting and applying rules and regulations.
• Advise the University community on research administration matters and represent the University to sponsors.

Skills

Research administration

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Independent judgement

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator will review and negotiate research related agreements including funding agreements from various federal and non-federal sponsors, outgoing subawards, and non-monetary agreements (confidentiality agreements, data transfer and use agreements, and material transfer agreements).

The position provides administrative and compliance support by interpreting and applying University, State, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations applicable to research and other scholarly activity. Sponsored Research Administrators provide customer service for the University community, advise on research administration matters, and represent the University to external sponsors and collaborators.

For more information about the Division of Sponsored Programs, visit: http://dsp.research.uiowa.edu/

Work Modality:

On-site, hybrid or remote within Iowa.

About Pay and Compensation:

Pay Grade: 4A

Qualifications:

Education or Equivalency Required:

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrate considerable, typically 1-3 years, research administration experience.
• Must thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and have the organizational skills to manage a large workload in a changing environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform tasks that require accuracy and detail-level attention, at an extensive level of proficiency, effectively balancing speed and accuracy.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to service excellence.
• Demonstrate independent judgement and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work within a team or alone, with limited guidance as appropriate.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Research administration and compliance experience with an institution of higher education, research institute, non-profit organization, federal agency, or other organization.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), JD, or MBA.
• Experience negotiating federal FAR-based contracts.
• Experience drafting and negotiating the following:
  • Federal FAR-based subcontracts.
  • Research-related contracts with non-federal sponsors (e.g., industry, state or local governments, other private and non-profit organizations).
  • Subawards under federal grants or non-federal funding.
  • Sponsored research agreements.
  • Corporate funded clinical trial agreements.
  • Confidentiality/Non-disclosure agreements.
  • Data transfer and use agreements.
  • Material transfer agreements.
• Experience in government, industry, or healthcare contracting.

About the University of Iowa

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.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Sponsored Research Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa, Remote within Iowa

Contact Information

• Contact Name: VPR Talent

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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 .