Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application

About George R. Brown School of Engineering

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of 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 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering educates engineers and scientists who become leaders in academia, industry and government, where they redefine the limits of technology. The scope of our interdisciplinary research collaboration is virtually unmatched and Rice ECE is globally known for our extensive reach across disciplines, including designing next-generation wireless networks; nanophotonics; terahertz laser spectroscopy; digital systems processing; neuroengineering; machine learning and data science; healthcare devices and analytics; and a plethora of other interests.

The Pre-Award Research Administrator II provides deep and independent analytical and financial support in proposal processing and pre-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 Pre-Award Research Administrator II 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 should have knowledge of or interest in grant management, working with various governmental agencies, strategic planning, resource allocation, compliance and risk management and experience working with Principal Investigator(s) in a university, medical or governmental research setting.

Hiring Range-$63,100-$65,000

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted.
• 2 years of related experience 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 Required

• 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

• Experience working in an institution of higher education
• 5 years of experience in a higher education environment with proficiency in organizational financial management
• Experience with drafting, organizing, and editing word documents
• Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
• Experience with university policies and procedures
• Experience with website creation/maintenance

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 
• 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.