Research Administrator I

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.  

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. 

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment. 

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Research Administrator I provides deep and independent analytical and financial support in proposal processing and pre‐ and/or post‐award Research Administration for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE)at Rice University. S/he acts as a liaison between the principal investigator, central administration, and the funder. The Research Administrator I is responsible for complex, multi-investigator, or center grants and serves in an advisory capacity to faculty and senior leadership (dean, department chairs) in the areas related to research administration including compliance. 

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate will have experience in research administration.

Workplace Requirements

Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: minimum salary of $65k

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree


• 1+ years of experience in administrative experience which includes some research administration experience (i.e grant proposal preparation and submission to various governmental agencies such as NSF, DOD, DOE, DARP,NIH, etc.)

Skills: 

• Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs


• Working knowledge of research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies


• Organizational skills


• Customer service


• Problem-solving

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance


• Experience
  
  
  
  • Experience working in an institution of higher education
  
  
  • Five years of experience in a higher education environment with proficiency in organizational financial management
  
  
  • Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
  
  
  • Experience with university policies and procedures
  
  

Essential Functions:

• Advises the Principal Investigator (PI) on administrative requirements in proposal preparation, and ensures guidelines are followed for proposal formatting and submission requirements


• Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI and ensures proper allocation of charges


• Monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information


• Ensures Subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI


• Verifies Cayuse records and works with OSR for submission to sponsor


• Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for financial and progress reports


• Participates in account close-out activities


• Manages and maintains records, files, and reports


• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Assists with administrative duties such as coordinating research-related travel, purchasing equipment and supplies, and scheduling meetings and events


• Assists with visa applications and Visitor Management System entry


• Coordinates with Rice’s Office of STEM Engagement for activity budgeting and reporting


• Completes Faculty Information System reporting

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels.  It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.