Research Administration Specialist: Pre-Award, SERC

Job Description

This position offers a highly qualified individual the opportunity to perform a critical role within the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) at Stevens Institute of Technology. The Pre-Award Research Administration Specialist will support the development, preparation, and submission of research proposals to SERC’s contracting agency. This position focuses on pre-award activities and works closely with post-award colleagues to ensure continuity across the award lifecycle, including drafting and submitting prior approval requests and assisting with effort management across the department.

The Pre-award Research Administrator reports to the Senior Finance Manager and serves as a strategic partner to researchers, sponsors, and university offices in support of SERC’s mission as a high-impact, leading systems engineering research center. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and creative thinking skills to proactively evaluate and resolve problems and make decisions; strong organizational skills to manage a significant volume of proposals; and the ability to communicate clearly with leadership, researchers, technical and non-technical stakeholders, and others on proposal related matters.

Key Responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

• Prepare, review and submit proposals that are complete and in compliance with relevant policies and regulations, including with the policies, procedures and requirements of federal sponsoring agencies.
• Submit proposals involving one or more of the following situations: multiple departments; multiple institutions (subawards); multiple option years and optional tasks.
• Enter proposals into central pre-award application system InfoEd.
• Provide proposal component review on budgets, Part I&II, required templates, and the narrative to ensure compliance.
• Review and endorse completed proposals to ensure use of the correct processes, forms and submission requirements.
• Provide critical analysis and guidance in the review and interpretation of request for proposals.
• Answer inquiries that require an explanation of rules, regulations and procedures with knowledge of individual programs.
• Collaborate with others such as Principal Investigators (PIs), sponsors and other relevant offices to ensure that sponsored research projects are managed in an efficient and effective manner consistent with relevant policies and procedures, and applicable federal agency guidelines, laws and regulations.
• Educate researchers and staff on all aspects of proposal development, including detailed budgets and review of unique federal sponsor requirements.

• Serve as a resource on pre-award activities and as an overall technical resource to PI and other staff. 
• Maintain standards: budget templates, standardized checklists for core staff and PIs tailored to the sponsor/mechanism, standardized filing system using shared drives.

• Maintain expertise in federal, state and university regulations, policies and procedures, and regulatory compliance pertaining to contracts including through regular review of sponsor policies and proposal guides and participation in webinars, trainings or conferences.

Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.  
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, FARS, DFARS
• 5 years of related work experience, including knowledge of federal contracts, preferably IDIQs, and pre-award proposal submission.

What We Offer  

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects.  
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, working alongside researchers and engineers.  
• Competitive salary and benefits.  
• Flexible work arrangements (remote).  

Additional Information  

This position requires access to information that may be subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license. As a result, US citizenship or LPR (Lawful Permanent Residence) is required.  

Department  

SERC

General Submission Guidelines  

In order to be considered a candidate for any job at Stevens, you must submit an online application.   

Still Have Questions?  

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact [email protected]  

Department

SERC Finance and Accounting

Compensation Range

In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the annual base range for this position is In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $71,000 to $97,067. This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, relevant credentials, and the position's full-time equivalency.

This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components.

For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook. . This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook, available at:

Benefits Guidebook

EEO Statement:

Stevens Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accordingly, Stevens adheres to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against candidates or employees based on legally impermissible factor(s) including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, age, ancestry, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, disability, or any protected military or veteran status. 

Stevens is building a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Stevens is a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other federal statutes. Stevens seeks candidates who will contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff.