Sr Research Program Specialist, Center for RNA Biology

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400410 Biochemistry and Biophysics

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110

Compensation Range:

$61,000.00 - $85,400.00

Responsibilities:

Serves as administrative and business manager in planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Center for RNA Biology (CRB), a large and complex interdepartmental research center, which includes other large subdivisions or projects. This Center consists of primary and secondary faculty members across the institution and several NIH T32 awards. Acts as liaison and has extensive contact with University and Medical Center administration, international and national project sponsors, participating centers, and regulatory agencies. Manages Center for RNA Biology (CRB) operations. Responsible for overall Center administration and related duties requiring experience with policies, procedures, and practices of the University.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Executive Assistance: Manages Director’s calendar, domestic and international travel, and meetings on a daily basis. Handles all details surrounding Director’s commitments, including advisory committees, manuscripts, reviews, boards, invitations, and CRB and Graduates Working in Science (GWIS) commitments. Monitors and updates Director’s internal biographies, CV, webpages, photos, speaking engagements, and all public-facing material. Proofreads and edits grants, applications, nominations, manuscripts, and letters on a regular basis.
• CRB Coordination: Works with the Director to initiate, formulate, and monitor the activities of the Center for RNA Biology. Supports senior administrators and faculty in formulating program concepts. Provides supporting data for decision-making. Recommends strategic and tactical approaches to program planning for the Center. Acts as an expert resource to key committees and task forces created to further institutional, Center, and program goals. Conducts research and prepares analytical reports and summaries with recommendations for program or policy changes. Represents the Center to internal and external organizations involved in the Center’s activities and projects as well as professional organizations, in cooperative programs with other institutions, in fundraising, advancement, and / or grant negotiations with public or private organizations.
• Primary Liaison Duties: Acts as the primary administrative contact with other departments, universities, and organizations involved with the multidisciplinary conduct of research and training programs. Manages the Director’s relationships and represents the Center when interacting with NAS, NAM, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, meeting organizations, US, European, and Asian review groups, and the Director’s national and international colleagues. Represents the Principal Investigators or Directors to outside organizations involved in our research, teaching, and other interested parties. Acts as a resource in working with other departments of the University and Medical Center. Serves as a member of various administrative committees.
• Coordination of New Initiatives: Plans, develops, and leads new initiatives, including those relating to the now international RNA Collaborative Seminar Series (RNA CSS) and Graduates Working in Science (GWIS). Plans and coordinates logistics for events on behalf of the Director, both on-site and internationally, including travel arrangements and accommodations. Coordinates projects for the CRB, including visits by distinguished guests, faculty searches, membership, funding applications, contests, events, and status reports.
• Grant Support: Supports activities to apply for new, renewal, or supplemental grants for funding and in preparing progress reports. Supervises regulatory reporting and ensures compliance with government regulations and funding requirements. Works with the Administrator II on the Director’s and Department Chair’s grant submission materials, including: extensive writing and proofreading, including rewriting and/or composing grant documents, and proofing all material in its entirety before submission. Creates and regularly updates tracking systems and databases.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned by the Program Director or Department Chair.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience in program / project management required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office; proficiency with spreadsheet and database experience; PowerPoint presentations; strong critical thinking skills and proactive mindset preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• CLASP certification preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.