"Research Administrator - Team Lead, Pre-Award"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

https://vcujobs.com/why-richmond

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: School of Medicine, Dean's Office- Research Administration

Duties & Responsibilities:

As a member of the School of Medicine (SOM) Research Administration team, the selected candidate for this position will be responsible for providing direct Pre-Award administrative support to investigators conducting medical research in a variety of departments, and centers at VCU.

The selected candidate for this Team Lead position will be responsible for the pre award management of an assigned portfolio. This position will provide both direct support and supervise other Research Administration staff member(s) supporting Principal Investigators and study teams in the development and successful submission of proposals for research funding. This position provides an opportunity for candidates with Pre-Award research administration experience to grow those skills in a fast-paced, diverse environment. The position will also present opportunities for career growth in the field of research administration for those presenting a willingness and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty and staff across all School of Medicine departments. Team Lead positions also actively participate and contribute to training and process improvement initiatives school-wide.

This position is eligible for 100% remote work. Candidates living outside the Richmond metro region are encouraged to apply, but may be required to come on-site on occasion (no more than twice annually) for in-service training and professional development activities. The selected candidate will also be eligible to receive a one-time sign on bonus.

General Duties:

Pre-Award Research Administration – 65%

Work under the direction of your supervisor and SOM Office of Research Administration leadership, to provide Pre-Award research administration support specific to the needs of SOM departments/centers and faculty investigators. Work directly with investigators on assigned proposal submissions to ensure proposals meet technical/administrative/financial requirements, deadlines are met, and all SOM Research Administration Standard Operating Procedures and established policies/requirements of both VCU and sponsoring agencies are followed.

Will be responsible for managing the proposal development process and establishing necessary timelines with the investigators to ensure deadlines are met for all submissions assigned.

Pre-Award duties could include:

• Follow all SOMRA SOPs related to Pre-Award submissions.
• Create a management plan and communicate clearly with the Principal Investigators on submission requirements and assignments, ensuring roles, responsibilities, and timelines are clear for each proposal assigned.
• Prepare non-technical components of submissions seeking PI input where needed: budget, budget narrative, coordinating administrative requirements for sub recipients, preparing RAMS-SPOT submissions, completing sponsor forms, etc.
• Ensure conformance of each submission with sponsor requirements and VCU policy.
• Prepare cost share authorizations and advance index requests, seeking department approvals as needed.
• Facilitate completion of compliance and training requirements with the PI.
• Review terms and conditions of awards and communicate special terms to investigators and department administration as needed.
• Provides data and department/center level Pre-Award reporting for areas assigned to team.

Other Assignments – 20%

• In support of organization goals, lead or contribute to special initiatives, process improvements, and strategic projects as assigned.
• Assist with the SOM School Reviews of proposals in RAMS SPOT
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
• Opportunity to engage in campus-wide working groups, committees, or professional organizations to enhance expertise and contribute to best practices
• Maintain any required certifications and pursue relevant credentials that support career growth and organizational excellence.

Management – 15%

• Lead regular meetings to assess progress, manage risk, and adjust priorities.
• Set clear collaboration and performance expectations across teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain accountability for Pre-Award deadlines and deliverables.
• Optimize workload distribution and support staff through check-ins and evaluations.
• Enforce compliance with SOPs and institutional policies
• Address performance issues and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Track team metrics and communicate expectations and changes clearly.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must possess minimum 3 years of direct research administration experience in the area of Pre-Award proposal development.
• Must have skills or ability to acquire new skills in the following areas: review of and adherence to sponsor proposal guidelines; budget development; ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms; pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
• Must have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be precise, thorough, and reliable and perform daily activities with minimal supervision. Must be proficient in the use of computers with an ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe required. Ability to work in a diverse environment required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Candidates possessing 3 or more years of direct Pre-Award research experience are preferred.
• Prior Pre-Award research administration experience in an academic medical center or other organization with significant NIH grant portfolio will be preferred.

Position will remain open until filled.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Salary Range: $69,900 – $89,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

University Job Title: 93421 - Open