Summary

The Senior Research Administration Associate will contribute to the strategic efforts of the Center and lead implementation for pre-award grant activities and programs.  Is expected to manage a portfolio of pre-award proposals, work independently and contribute to the team.

The Human Genome Sequencing Center was founded in 1996 under the leadership of Dr. Richard Gibbs and is a world leader in genomics. The fundamental interests of the HGSC are in advancing biology and genetics by improved genome technologies. As one of the three large-scale sequencing centers funded by the National Institutes of Health, the HGSC provides a unique opportunity to work on the cutting-edge of genomic science in a state of the art institution. Today, the HGSC is comprised of more than 160 faculty, staff and students, and it occupies more than 36,000 square feet on the 14th, 15th, and 16th floors of the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Building. The HGSC is located on the southwest edge of downtown Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. The major activity of the HGSC is high-throughput DNA sequence generation and the accompanying analysis. The HGSC is also involved in developing the next generation of DNA sequencing and bioinformatics technologies that will allow greater scientific advances in the future. The Human Genome Sequencing Center is seeking a Senior Research Administration Associate. Under direction of the Center Administrator, the Senior Research Administration Associate plans, coordinates and directs grants and contracts activities for the Center. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Duties

• Assess current pre-award business practices, develop best practices, and identify opportunities to streamline and improve business processes
• Serve as pre-award subject matter expert to advise PI’s on a variety of federal and non-federal sponsors
• Review faculty Statement of Work, biosketches, DOI, COI, justifications for any errors, missing information, or typos
• Review announcements for special conditions/restrictions to ensure full compliance with sponsor guidelines
• Enter grant/contract proposals in BRAIN, ASSIST, proposalCENTRAL, etc.
• Develop and monitoring grant project timelines
• Develop budgets for grant applications and progress reports
• Compile biosketches, letters of support, and other support pages
• Track and communicate NIH guidelines regarding progress report and close out documents
• Work with outside institutions to develop draft subcontracts and cooperative agreements
• Work with the Sponsored Programs Office to ensure proper submission of grant applications, cooperative agreements, and subcontracts
• Work with key departments to maximize effective business operations
• Serve as the lead to resolve pressing concerns to meet submission deadlines
• Assist PIs in managing their sponsored program portfolio
• Track and manage effort for faculty to ensure they are not over/under extended on their effort
• Track DOI and COI compliance
• Develop and monitor a tracking system for sponsor due dates and manage deadlines to facilitate timely closeout of awards
• Initiate the creation of WBS elements according to the terms of award
• Assist faculty with submissions for animal protocols, and IRB submissions and renewals for compliance
• Submit no cost extensions on behalf of the PI
• Assist PI in grant transfers for incoming and outgoing faculty
• Assist PI with finding new grant funding

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.  Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration or Finance
• Excellent organizational skills
• Good knowledge of planning and strategizing financial and budgeting issues
• A multi-tasker with strong ability to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail