Department
 

PME Grant Administration

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary
 

The PME seeks an experienced Award and Contract Specialist to support the post-awards and contracts administration for faculty. Reporting to the Director of Budget and Accounting, the Award and Contract Specialist will support the grants, contracts, subcontracts, material transfer agreements, patents, and gifts for faculty. Providing professional support and solving straightforward problems for various grants and contracts, business operations, and fiscal budgets for the faculty. The Award and Contract Specialist will support post-award research administration tasks, as well as new proposal submissions, developing proposal budgeting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, and semiannual and annual reporting of all submitted and awarded grants and contracts.

Responsibilities

Manages and implements oversight of all post-award functions for the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.Works closely with the faculty to review the notice of grant award, and ensures all budgets are accurate and set-up correctly per University policies and procedures and sponsor instructions.Manages all subcontracts with participating institutions and facilitates payment of invoices promptly.Works with faculty to proactively establish correct funding and effort of personnel for each project. Reviews monthly to maintain accuracy and process proactive and retroactive funding transactions per University procedures.Prepares and reconciles financial reports and final expenditure reports and manages project close-out process accurately and within required deadlines.Prepares projection reports and develops a reconciliation process to review with faculty on a monthly basis.Manages and reviews the terms of new awards and sets up projects in the grant tracking and financial system appropriately to allow for notification and faculty spending.Serves as a primary resource for post-award grant questions; communicates with, and recommends and advises faculty and staff regarding post-award issues; requests corrections and resolves discrepancies; interprets rules, regulations, and compliance issues with respect to sponsored awards.Works in collaboration with the PI and the Office of University Research Administration to facilitate the timely submission of all agency-required project reports.Creates and executes sub-award agreements for all new and existing awards, as well as process budget changes, extensions, and closeout procedures during and throughout the life of the sub-award.Assists management in the preparation of ad-hoc reports.Monitors compliance with sponsored project-related time and effort commitments and federal effort reporting requirements.Participates in special projects such as, the development and presentation of training workshops, drafting, updating, and amending post-award processes, procedures, and report development.Through interaction with a variety of federal and non-federal funding agencies, faculty, and staff, provides professional assistance with the administration and coordination of proposals and awards in research and training.Provides faculty and administrators with application preparation, analyzing possible solutions to problems that arise using standard procedures. Reviews, interprets, and negotiates contract and grant terms to determine compliance and/or conflict with federal regulations and procedures.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

3+ years of progressively responsible business and administrative experience.  A minimum of 3 years of work experience in accounting or related field.A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in administrating sponsored research, especially post-awards.Working within an academic or complex administrative environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Project management methodologies.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Strong computer skills including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), database management, and spreadsheet skills.Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing, and review.

Preferred Competencies

Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization and coordination skills.Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.Handle stressful, sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans.Utilize strong cross-unit knowledge and understanding to overcome issues to achieve results.Prepare detailed documents reports, and/or related materials.Work both independently or within a complex structured team.Review contracts and legal documents and negotiate to an acceptable resolution.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Financial Management

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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