Position Summary

The Research Center Coordinator works closely with the Institute/Center Director(s), Principal Investigators (PI’s) and Research Staff to provide administrative support and coordination of activities supporting biomedical research center programs and their research missions. The successful candidate will have a solid background in providing administrative support, including budgeting/accounting experience, to help ensure effective and efficient operations. The Coordinator will be extensively trained in the software systems used for grant submissions and post award reporting, as well as federal grant compliance rules and regulations, which is critical for the ongoing research of the Center within the University. Training will also include the regulations and procedures that are established by the FHCC/VA. The candidate plays an integral role in grant fund projections and maintaining reports as mandated by the granting agencies. This individual is considered to be an integral part of the RFU research administrative team that provides a foundation of support for our discovery science.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement after 90 days, which could include a work from home option a couple of days a week.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance, as well as health equities/disparities within the neighboring and underserved areas of Lake County.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago’s newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/ 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Administrative: 

• Perform a wide range of administrative support functions for the Institute Director, Center Director, faculty members, staff, and more generally the RFU research enterprise.

• Assist with preparation of regulatory documents, protocols, and reports (e.g., IACUC applications, required grant reports)

• Completes and pre-approves all proposal components in Grant submission software (InfoEd or in other Sponsor’s package forms), and obtains all essential approvals for routing sheets in preparation of Grant Submission

• Manages pre-award administration of grants and/or contracts, and manages effort commitments of key project personnel 

• Schedule, prepare, and compile materials for meetings/conferences/seminars, including the Summer Poster Session

• Manage department schedule, files/records, and coordinates various activities between departments/stakeholders

• Arrange travel arrangements for the Director and personnel

• Coordinate with Human Resources and Student Financial Services for summer research

• Work with Assistant Dean for Research, CMS, to coordinate the Summer Research Poster Session.

Budget: 

• Oversees the center’s entire sponsored project portfolio and operating budgets for the Centers

• Monitors Center Project Account Balances ensuring that expenditures are done in according with Sponsors’ rules

• Reviews award budget status, identifies issues and monitors/suggests changes and needs to PIs

• Provides OSR/PI with financial data needed for interim and final financial and technical progress reports

• Facilitates account close out activities, coordinating with OSR as needed

• Assist in creating proposal budgets with effort commitment for personnel

• Manages post-award administration of research grants and/or contracts from inception to closing of accounts

• Organize payroll approval for the summer research fellows

Lab Support: 

• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, animals, equipment, etc.

Other Duties: 

• All other duties as assigned by the Director, Research Administration (EVP office) and/or Insititute/Center Director.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

• Must have proof of COVID19 vaccination with booster or a university approved exemption

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or appropriate combination of education and experience

• 3-5 years administrative support experience

• Experience with budgeting & financial management

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• General understanding of accounting principles

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Effective communication skills both written & oral 

• Problem-solver; critical thinking ability

• Ability to manage and determine priorities, details and tasks with accuracy and efficiency

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; specifically, Word and Excel 

• Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism

• Ability to make sound/accurate decisions using professional judgment 

• Ability to work independently as well as part of team

• Ability to exhibit sensitivity and respect in all aspects of the job

• Display strong, positive work ethic with a high level of integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in research administration or a higher education setting

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets