What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Analyst position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
Office of Sponsored Programs-621100
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
04/27/2026
Application Deadline
05/18/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Cost Analyst
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
00038027
Vacancy ID
NF0009715
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
Fte
1
Hours Per Week
40
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$62,000 - $67,000
Proposed Start Date
06/29/2026
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSR facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSR is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSR provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.
There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Research, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).
OSR serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSR’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.
Position Summary
This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Cost Analyst position will be a part of the Research Core Development Team within the Office of Sponsored Programs. The Cost Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Cost Analyst position.
Primary job responsibilities for the Cost Analyst position include ensuring institutional Research Service Centers (RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This position coordinates with departments on campus to conduct detailed analyses using ConnectCarolina and Infoporte to complete financial compliance and rate reviews at minimum, once every two years for all University Research Service Centers. The Cost Analyst provides effective customer service, technical support, and consulting services to the RSCs, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to ensure RSCs maintain operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance in the rate development and review process. Responsibilities also include ensuring the timely tracking and filing of all RSC related updates and documentation.
The position also performs other functions related to Research Core Development, including, but not limited to, updating information in relevant databases and information systems related to core facilities.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Not Applicable.
Office of Sponsored Programs-621100
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
04/27/2026
Application Deadline
05/18/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Cost Analyst
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
00038027
Vacancy ID
NF0009715
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
Fte
1
Hours Per Week
40
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$62,000 - $67,000
Proposed Start Date
06/29/2026
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSR facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSR is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSR provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.
There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Research, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).
OSR serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSR’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.
Position Summary
This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Cost Analyst position will be a part of the Research Core Development Team within the Office of Sponsored Programs. The Cost Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Cost Analyst position.
Primary job responsibilities for the Cost Analyst position include ensuring institutional Research Service Centers (RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This position coordinates with departments on campus to conduct detailed analyses using ConnectCarolina and Infoporte to complete financial compliance and rate reviews at minimum, once every two years for all University Research Service Centers. The Cost Analyst provides effective customer service, technical support, and consulting services to the RSCs, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to ensure RSCs maintain operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance in the rate development and review process. Responsibilities also include ensuring the timely tracking and filing of all RSC related updates and documentation.
The position also performs other functions related to Research Core Development, including, but not limited to, updating information in relevant databases and information systems related to core facilities.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
- Ability to analyze operational and financial data
- Sound knowledge of accounting principles
- Strong Communication Skills
- Strong knowledge of ledger systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications
- Ability to prioritize and complete responsibilities independently with a high level of accuracy
- Previous experience with Research Service Centers (core facilities) and rate review/oversight
- Experience with accounting systems in a university setting
- Experience with federal grants and post-award administration, including knowledge of Uniform Guidance
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred
Not Applicable.
Salary : $62,000 - $67,000