Sponsored Research Administrator – College of Engineering – Dean's Office Research Administration Support Staff

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Engineering Research Accelerator, which is a part of the College of Engineering, provides an integrated, coordinated, and college-wide set of services for research incubation, acceleration, and support.  These functions include research administration, corporate partnership, funding opportunities, business support, and research incubation and acceleration activities. The Engineering Research Accelerator enables continuous assessment of current activities and clusters, as well as the identification and fostering of high-potential, cross-cutting, emerging research directions to maintain the College’s competitive advantage. 

The Sponsored Research Assistant position is part of the research administration team and is responsible for a broad range of research grant and contract fiscal management functions.  The incumbent will have daily interaction with faculty, staff and researchers, federal and non-federal sponsors, finance and research representatives from subcontracting institutions, the University’s Sponsored Projects Accounting Office, the Office of Sponsored Programs, as well as finance and research administration counterparts campus-wide.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provides financial reporting to faculty on various research grants and for various programs on a monthly or quarterly basis; conducts variance analyses, researches the causes of variances between planned and actual expenses, and works with other areas of the university on a regular basis to solve complex financial issues.
• Establishes accounts in financial systems, re-budgets funds and monitors or modifies award and expenditures. 
• Interprets regulations and guidelines for program funding (both university and agency) for multiple complex grants.  Provides monitoring of grants and contracts to ensure expenses are being paid according to contracts. 
• Provides faculty members with various options and scenarios that can be used in a proposal's planning or during the execution of the work.
• Participates in selected university, college, and department meetings.
• Values working as member of a larger team, embodying a flexible, collaborative approach to assignments and expectations as needs change.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work

What You Bring:

• Willingness and ability to understand and interpret university and government policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven expertise in Excel
• Extreme attention to detail in a fast-paced academic environment
• Ability to work well independently, but also to seek assistance when needed.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
• Research Administration Experience or CRA certification a plus
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with some on-campus/in office presence required.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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