Research Development Specialist
Position Overview
The Research Development Specialist is responsible for individual and interdisciplinary research team proposals in the School of Engineering (SoE). They are the primary liaison between Pre-Award in the KU Office of Research (KUOR) and the principal investigator (PI)/team and provide direct support for proposal preparation to the PI/team. The SoE has over 100 faculty who submit proposals to international, federal, state, and local agencies, industry, and foundations, in addition to internal research funding initiatives. Annual research expenditures in the School of Engineering are over $24M. This position researches and communicates funding opportunities based on specific PI/team criteria. It also advises PIs/teams on university/agency submission requirements including compliance issues. In addition, it provides technical editing and reviews written materials prior to submission to ensure requirements are met. The position develops proposal materials related to standard elements such as management plans, educational outreach, technology transfer, and data management to include editing for format, page length, and coherence. It also works with PIs/teams to develop comprehensive budgets that support the research needs based on the research plans and sponsor guidelines. The position also reviews agreements and subcontracts. The Research Development Specialist must be able to work in a deadline-driven environment prioritize and balance competing demands. This in-person position reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs.
Job Description
Sponsored Research Proposal Submission Duties (75%)
Administrative (15%)
Research Development Duties (10%)
- Serve as primary liaison between KUOR Pre-Award and the PI and provide direct support for proposal preparation to the PI/team.
- Interpret proposal guidelines and advise PI of specific requirements.
- Work directly with researchers to develop proposal submissions including comprehensive budgets and standard proposal elements.
- Provide technical review and verify compliance and other requirements have been met prior to proposal submission.
- Work with the PI to obtain all necessary signatures/approvals (e.g., for inclusion of cost share, space usage, and collaboration).
- Act as liaison with other research institutions when preparing submissions which include subawards.
- Complete and transmit the approved proposal package to meet all sponsor-imposed deadlines.
- Keep database of past submissions by Principal Investigators and use them to enable future submissions by the Principal Investigator (e.g., biosketches, current and pending support).
Administrative (15%)
- Act as a liaison regarding the SoE sponsored project portfolio for SoE financial and administrative staff, Contract Negotiations, KU Center for Technology Commercialization, and Research Integrity staff to facilitate the smooth completion of negotiation tasks.
- Assist in training of SoE staff and researchers in research administration, policies, procedures, and sponsor guidelines.
- Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, resources, and training to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with regulations and overall administration of sponsored projects at KU.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Research Development Duties (10%)
- Manage databases and keep files on faculty research interests and expertise.
- Research and communicate funding opportunities to SoE investigators based on specific PI/team criteria.
- Send SoE investigators targeted solicitations.
- Prepare biweekly newsletter of recent research awards and send to SoE investigators.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and three years relevant experience or a master’s degree and one-year relevant experience.
- One year experience in a deadline-driven office environment working both independently and with a team as demonstrated in application materials.
- Experience that required analytical and problem-solving skills as evidenced in application materials.
- Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
- Experience using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Business, or closely related field.
- Experience in a university research environment.
- One year of proposal development or grant writing experience.
- Experience working cooperatively and collaboratively with faculty, administrative staff, postdocs, and students in a higher education environment as demonstrated by application materials.
- Experience with developing budgets.
- Experience with proofreading for accuracy, coherence, and compliance as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience working with external funding sources and their grant-related policies, programs, procedures, and practices.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete online application consists of the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- A list of three professional references and their contact information.
- Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. References will not be contacted until the interviews are completed.
Contact Information to Applicants
Suzanne Shontz
shontz@ku.edu
shontz@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$55,000-$65,000
Work Schedule
M-F 8-5
Application Review Begins
Monday October 21, 2024
Anticipated Start Date
Monday November 18, 2024