Research Financial Analyst

Job Summary

The University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a Research Financial Analyst. This position serves as a senior-level role providing advanced analysis and dedicated operational support for complex, multi-year sponsored research programs. Approximately 25 - 50% of this role will serve as the primary partner to the Director of LASP enabling their research portfolio from proposal development through award closeout. This position exercises significant independent judgement managing financial activities and delivers executive-level reporting and analysis that information strategic and programmatic decisions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in federally funded research finance, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Performs work of varied and considerable difficulty requiring advanced data collection, analysis, forecasting, and preparation of financial reports.
• Serves as Financial Program Analyst for multi-year and/or complex research programs, working closely with the Director, Principal Investigators, and senior management.
• Provides direct financial and operational support to the Director or designated senior leader for assigned research activities, representing approximately 25-50% of total effort.
• Supports Director-led proposal development by preparing proposal budget templates, work effort tables, draft budget justifications, and required sponsor documentation.
• Coordinates entry of proposal budgets and programmatic information into sponsor systems (e.g., NASA ROSES, NSF), including preparation of redacted submission materials.
• Manages internal university proposal documentation, routing, and approvals on behalf of the Director and associated research programs.
• Tracks award amounts, expenditures, projections, personnel salary distributions, and key reporting deadlines for Director-supported awards.
• Prepares agency-specific financial and progress report templates in advance of due dates and supports timely submission in coordination with the Office of Sponsored Projects.
• Maintains current and pending support documentation in sponsor-required formats for the Director and associated programs.
• Reviews research grants and contracts for compliance with sponsor, federal, and university requirements; identifies and resolves issues as appropriate.
• Supports mission or contract-specific requirements, including specialized financial forms, documentation, and sponsor inquiries, in coordination with the Director.
• Coordinates travel reimbursements, purchasing, internal expensing, and allocation of shared operational or IT costs across awards supported by the Director.
• Supports one-time or transitional activities such as grant, contract, personnel, or financial transitions between institutions.
• Develops executive-level summaries and financial analyses to advise the Director and senior management on the impacts of strategic and programmatic decisions.
• May conduct special financial or business-related studies and collaborates with internal departments in the preparation of analyses.
• Provides peer assistance in specialty areas and may serve as a resource or lead for defined financial processes.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure continuity, compliance, and effective support of LASP research programs.

What You Should Know

• Hybrid schedule: on-site 3 days a week, 9 to 3 core hours.
• Potential contact with Export Controlled information.
• Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $98,122 - $127,630 per year.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or equivalent, with 6-9+ years of related experience, or a master's degree with 4-7+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting federally funded research programs, including proposal development and post-award management.

What You Will Need

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, sponsor, and university financial, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Advanced ability to research, analyze, reconcile, and evaluate complex financial data and contracts.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate financial reports and executive summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and related financial tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with directors, faculty, management, and administrative partners.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Demonstrated experience supporting federally funded research programs, including proposal development and post-award management in a higher education environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional document.

For consideration, please apply by May 13, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.