Research Administrator II

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment. 

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering has an open Research Administrator II position.  This position supports the Principal Investigator (PI) by managing the administrative and financial components of research proposals and grants. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional guidelines, developing and monitoring budgets, maintaining financial records, coordinating submissions with the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), tracking expenditures, and ensuring accurate documentation throughout the grant lifecycle.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in research proposal preparation, ensuring compliance with formatting and submission guidelines. They should excel in budget development and justification, with the ability to prepare cost-sharing forms when needed. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with research funding processes are essential.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $63,100 – $70,000

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis, may be substituted
• 2+ years of experience in research administration, financial reporting, or post-award administration

Skills: 

• Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Customer service 
• Problem-solving

Essential Functions:

• Advises the Principal Investigator (PI) on administrative requirements in proposal preparation, and ensures guidelines are followed for proposal formatting and submission requirements
• Develops and finalizes budgets and budget justifications with the PI
• Prepares forms for cost sharing, if applicable
• Monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submission; verifies all financial information
• Ensures Subcontract statements of work, budget, and budget justification are received and approved by the PI
• Verifies Cayuse record is complete and accurate and works with OSR for submission to sponsor
• Coordinates and reviews account setup; reviews, tracks and approves expenditures; monitors budgets; provides data for financial and progress reports as needed