Research Development & Support Specialist

Title: Research Development & Support Specialist

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Psychology and Brain Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote

Job Summary

The Research Development & Support Specialist is responsible for the full cycle of research administration providing specific expertise and support on grant and contract proposals to post award activities occurring in the Department of Psychology & Brain Sciences (PBS).

Essential Functions

Grant Development & Pre-Award Administration

Assesses needs and creatively develops initiatives based on PBS faculty research experience that will enhance research funding and productivity in the PBS department.

Works with individual faculty to understand research interest and expertise, assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities; plan and execute effective searches for funding sources (inclusive of federal and state grant, contract, foundation, and industry support).

With a targeted funding source under submission, provides assistance in the management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising faculty and Principal Investigator (PI) of sponsor guidelines, participation in assembling the grant application, budget preparation/justifications, facilities descriptions, subcontracts and other content-oriented forms such as C.V.s and other administrative requirements for the submission of all grants and contracts.

Reviews proposals and provide suggestions for writing and communication improvements. Coordinates pre-award submission activity for the department.

Grant Monitoring

Develops and implements a manageable system to monitor and provide Principal Investigator's budget updates.

Develops and enhances implementation tools for faculty buyouts in coordination with the CNS Business Office, Grants' Manager, and Directors/Department Head.

Troubleshoots problems in sub-contracts, payments, and PO processing.

Develops fiscal management systems for faculty to expedite paperwork and reduce investigator burden.

Monitors operating expenses, prepares timely variance-to-budget reports, and advises on reconciliation actions.

Post-award

Works with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalizes all expenditure activity of expired grants.

Assists and participates with grant accounting in award termination process to close out accounts.

General

Serves as a liaison for faculty throughout the full life cycle of awards from proposal development to post award administrations, award close-out, and award compliance.

Acts as a liaison between Principal Investigators and the office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) for pre-award/proposal matters, the office of Post-Award Management (OPAM) and Controller’s Office for post-award matters.

Responds proactively and reactively to problems, concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.

Other Functions

Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.

Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support CNS’ strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Takes initiatives and operates with self-direction.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree preferably in Business Administration or closely related field AND at least six (6) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environment OR a Bachelor's degree preferably in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or closely related field AND at least four (4) years of experience in research project management, grand development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environment.

Knowledge of grants writing and project coordination.

Experience with budget construction and monitoring, ability to analyze and interpret financial information.

Ability to plan, organize and lead administrative activities related to grant development and administration.

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.

Self-directed, organized, and goal oriented.

Ability to recognize administrative problems and implement effective solutions.

Experience with quantitative data collection and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with pre-award and post-award grant support, and managing finances with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.

Experience with using PeopleSoft and Summit computer programs as well as Human Resources and other systems used by the University.

Experience with preparing/submitting research proposals and budgets. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.). Experience with Kuali.

Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.