HudsonAlpha - Research Finance & Planning Analyst

Position Title:

Research Finance & Planning Analyst Department:
Finance FLSA Status:
Salaried/Exempt

Reports to:

Research Finance & Planning Manager Institute Overview

The Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science, and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, Hudson Alpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine.

The Finance Department at Hudson Alpha Institute oversees comprehensive financial operations, including grant and general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable and receivable, and audit relations. The department also manages financial reporting for the Hudson Alpha Foundation and handles all financial aspects of shared services, such as cost centers and purchasing. A key function is Research Finance, which independently reviews each research project due to varying funding sources and requirements.

This team ensures regulatory compliance, proper cost recording, and accurate application of indirect costs to grants. By providing detailed financial data and projections, the department supports the evaluation of project feasibility and economic potential, ultimately advancing Hudson Alpha's mission to bring research developments to market and fulfill its economic development goals.

We are seeking a talented Research Finance & Planning Analyst to join our mission-driven finance team. In this role, you'll help power scientific discovery by turning complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that advance breakthrough biotech research. You'll play a critical part in managing federal grants, restricted funding, and diverse revenue streams that fuel our important work. This role works hands-on with Vena and Deltek Costpoint daily, so direct experience with financial systems like these (or comparable ERP/FP&A tools) is important for success in the position.

• Lead support for the annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes across departments and research labs.
• Partner directly with department leaders and scientists to provide budget guidance, labor planning, and strategic financial decision support.
• Design and maintain financial dashboards and reports in Vena to drive visibility and performance tracking.
• Own administration and continuous improvement of Vena templates, workflows, and reporting structures.
• Leverage Deltek Costpoint to deliver accurate project-level financial analysis and reporting.
• Support grant financial management, cost-reimbursable reporting, and indirect cost allocations for federal and restricted funding.
• Build labor plans, headcount models, and personnel cost forecasts that align resources with scientific priorities.
• Create ad hoc analyses and presentations for leadership and board members.
• Contribute to monthly financial close processes and drive process improvement/automation initiatives.
• Collaborate across finance, accounting, and operational teams to ensure high-quality, timely financial information.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 2–5 years of financial and planning analysis experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Base…