Grants and Contracts Coordinator - Biomedical and Translational Sciences

The Cornell University Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences (being established in February 2026 as a merge of the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine) is seeking a skilled research administration professional to support its dynamic and highly collaborative research enterprise. This role provides comprehensive pre- and post-award grants and contracts support, working closely with faculty, research staff, and central offices to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant submissions. You will serve as a trusted advisor to investigators by identifying funding opportunities, interpreting sponsor guidelines, and developing complex budgets and application materials. Acting as a key liaison across the department, college, university, and external partners, you will help move research ideas from concept through award management. This position is well suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines. If you enjoy collaboration, problem-solving, and supporting impactful biomedical research, this role offers a meaningful opportunity at Cornell University.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grant Submissions/Pre-Award Support:

• Provide high-level pre-award grant and contract support, including proposal development, budget and justification preparation, sponsor-specific forms, and submission management
• Maintain a broad understanding of departmental research priorities, faculty projects, and sponsor requirements; identify and communicate relevant funding opportunities
• Independently ensure proposal compliance with sponsor, college, and university policies, monitoring deadlines and requirements through final submission
• Serve as a primary liaison with PIs, department leadership, College Research Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, internal grant partners, and external collaborators
• Coordinate and guide grant preparation activities within the department, providing direction to other grants and contracts preparers and balancing workload as needed
• Act as the department’s subject-matter expert for pre-award processes, addressing questions, resolving issues, and advising stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle
• Communicate grant activity and unique considerations to financial and administrative teams to support seamless transitions post-award

Post-Award Support:

• NFA preparation, database maintenance (e.g., critical grant tracking details), grant/contract progress reports, RPPRs, compliance verification (animal/human subject protocols), Just In Time submissions.
• Foresee and explore potential issues or problems, advise/recommend faculty and carry out solutions.
• Work in coordination with the BMS Financial Specialists, BMS Administrator, College Account Service Center (ASC), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Sponsored Financial Services (SFS). 

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in accounting, business administration, or related field with four to six years of related sponsored programs experience, administrative/financial experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and applications simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and follow through on complex tasks
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a strong customer service mindset
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams, using sound judgment to escalate issues when appropriate
• Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software tools to manage information, analyze data, and produce reports
• Commitment to continuous learning and to modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, wellbeing, and equitable working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, non-profits, foundations and industry sponsors. 
• Understanding of applicable government regulations (Uniform Guidelines) and university policies. 
• Proven experience with grant and contract preparation, submission and administration preferred. 
• Working knowledge of NIH eRACommons for grant preparation.
• Experience in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of Cornell University policies and procedures preferred, as well as experience with a variety of Cornell University systems, including RASS, Workday, KFS and OBIEE Dashboards.

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