The Center for Space Physics (CSP) and Institute for Astrophysical Research (IAR) are university-based centers for research and education in space science/space-related technologies and astrophysics. The research office assists 50 PIs from the Boston University Departments of CAS Astronomy, ENG Electrical and Computer Engineering, and ENG Mechanical Engineering with every step of the grant life cycle. The exciting research portfolios that we manage cover topics from atmospheres, magnetospheres, and plasma environments of our solar system to the design, development, and operation of instruments and telescopes for astronomical research. The incumbent will provide administrative, financial, and HR support to members of the Center for Space Physics and the Institute for Astrophysical Research.

Essential Functions

• Completes complicated purchases (capital equipment/fabrication, contracts, international travel/travel with personal time added, etc.), ensuring that all purchases are in accordance with grant/contract guidelines and within budget limitations.
• Ensures that all purchases completed by this position and the fiscal coordinator are logged in our projections system.
• Oversees annual appraisals and merit increases for our three dozen non-faculty researchers. 
• Completes an annual study on research scientist and postdoc salaries in our field to ensure that our researchers are being paid competitively.
• Reviews subcontract invoices, gets PI approval, and submits them for payment.
• Troubleshoots payments to suppliers/travelers by working with Accounts Payable and Procurement Responsible for organizing and running large-scale events such as conferences, multi-week summer schools, and REU student stays. This includes identifying, securing contracts for, and booking on-campus housing/hotel room blocks, on/off-campus event space, catering, and IT assistance.