Department BSD CTD - Finance

About the Department The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life. We architect ecosystems of large-scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery. Learn more at https://gdc.cancer.gov/, and https://gen3.org/, and https://stats.gen3.org/, and https://ctds.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary The job works independently to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.
Under minimal supervision, the Grants & Contracts Specialist oversees a portfolio of grants, contracts, and other sponsored awards. This Specialist uses best practices and knowledge of internal and external needs and trends to improve implementation of financial strategy and planning for CTDS. For their portfolio, this role will lead, coordinate, and perform all pre- and post-award activities in accordance with University policies and procedures and compliant with federal and other external policies.

Responsibilities

• Ensures and is responsible for accurate and important data entry and processing of various financial tasks using University systems.

• Lead and participates in monthly account-related tasks, such as account projections, reconciling expenses and budgets, effort allocations and summaries for Faculty, Project Managers, and other CTDS senior leadership.

• Solicits feedback and needs on regularly monthly reporting and designs solutions for these needs for internal and external stakeholders.

• Recommends assignments of and leads pre-sponsored-award proposal activities between researchers and University Research Administration.

• Consults for and assists Business Operations Managers and other Financial Administrators with their assigned proposal activities.

• Supports standards for post-award activities such as effort reporting, spending projections, cost allocations, equipment inventory, cost reconciliations, grant and account closing processes.

• Improves processes by identifying bottlenecks, potential efficiencies, and learning from changing best practices and industry standards.

• Leads and performs assigned post-award activities for critical and important projects such as effort reporting, spending projections, cost allocations, equipment inventory, cost reconciliations, grant and account closing processes.

• Maintains, develops, and follows up-to-date procedures and policies the University and Sponsored Award processes, and facilitates communication of procedures and policies to relevant stakeholders.

• Identifies and anticipates reporting and communication needs, collaborating with supervisor and others as needed.

• Provides specialized support for the research enterprise within a department or unit, including pre- and/ or post-award administration for all sponsored activity. Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.

• Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.

• Analyzes industry trends and remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Monitors department/ unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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Work Experience:

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Certifications:

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Preferred Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of creating and managing budgets and projections within Microsoft Excel or equivalent.

• Intermediate knowledge of financial processes within an administrative environment.

• Very strong organizational skills, balancing multiple tasks, deadlines and budgets.

• Very strong written and communication skills for communications with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to be discreet with information pertaining to personnel and research-related activities.

• Ability to schedule and prioritize work within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Ability to coordinate and delegate across multiple teams and projects on activities related to grants, contracts, and other areas of pre- and post-award financial administration.

• Ability to quickly adapt to new facets, processes and systems within pre- and post-sponsored award financial administration.

Work Conditions

• Office Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family Financial Management

Role Impact Individual Contributor

FLSA Status Exempt

Pay Frequency Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

Benefits Eligible Yes

Drug Test Required No

Health Screen Required No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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