"Pre-Award Research Administrator II - OVPR"

Overview

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) supports Tufts’ vibrant research enterprise by providing comprehensive services in proposal development, sponsored funding strategy, compliance, and award administration. The Pre-Award Research Administration team delivers mandatory proposal review, approval, and submission for all sponsored projects across the university, serving as the only entity authorized to sign proposals and accept awards on Tufts’ behalf.

The Pre-Award Research Administrator II plays a key role in advancing Tufts’ research mission by administering a portfolio of broad and moderately complex sponsored programs.

This position is eligible for a fully remote work arrangement.

What You'll Do

The Pre-Award Research Administrator II reviews, prepares, and processes sponsored proposals and manages non-fiscal post-award actions for an assigned portfolio (approximately 120 proposals per year).

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing proposals for compliance with sponsor requirements and university policies, including verification of budget allowability, allocability, and consistency.
• Preparing subcontract agreements and amendments and exercising sound judgment in the use of appropriate templates.
• Negotiating agreements with standard terms and conditions prior to authorized official review and signature.
• Providing non-fiscal post-award support, including budget reallocations, no-cost extensions, contract amendments, and interpretation of terms and conditions.
• Serving as a resource to principal investigators and departmental research administrators by responding to inquiries and offering guidance and policy interpretation.
• Participating in special projects and responding to ad-hoc reporting requests.
• Maintaining and developing expertise in research administration, including monitoring and sharing sponsor updates.
• Assisting in training junior and temporary staff as needed.
• Attending meetings on campus as required.

What We're Looking For

Application Instructions:To apply, please submit the following materials: 1.) Resume 2.) Cover Letter. Your cover letter should briefly describe your interest in this role, your motivation for supporting research at Tufts, and the key skills or experiences that make you a strong fit for a Pre-Award Research Administrator II position.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills typically acquired through a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of research administration experience, including proposal review and sponsored project support.
• Knowledge of major funding agencies, sponsor requirements, and electronic research administration systems (e.g., Grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF FastLane/Research.gov, ProposalCentral), or the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Understanding of federal regulations governing sponsored research and related areas of compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail, judgment, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).

Pay Range

Minimum $65,900.00, Midpoint $82,300.00, Maximum $98,800.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.