Research Support Specialist -Hybrid- Cancer Center

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is seeking a Research Support Specialist to coordinate and perform research support activities with emphasis on exploring funding opportunities, assisting in grant proposal preparation, submission, post‑award administration, and operational support.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement of on‑campus and remote work within the state of Iowa upon completion of a 6‑month onsite training period.

• Lead research administrator for multi‑project, multi‑component U & P level grants, including SPOREs.
• Prepare, submit and administer post‑award functions for complex cancer‑focused grants and supplemental grants and contracts.
• Provide support for a portfolio of research studies conducted within HCCC.
• Assist investigators in finding and obtaining external and internal research funding.
• Perform routine review of grant agency regulations to ensure compliance and update grant documents.
• Prepare, navigate and administer grants and contracts; evaluate RFPs; prepare and review proposals for completeness; route proposals.
• Assist faculty, staff and students with proposal preparation and submission; coordinate grant submissions for Cancer Center members.
• Participate in development and preparation of grant proposals, including budget preparation.
• Review and respond to internal requests for information; proof documents prior to submission.
• Maintain knowledge of electronic proposal submission processes for all grant types (Cayuse, NIH RPPR, Proposal Central).
• Prepare and submit forms for leadership review and comply with required guidelines.
• Review ScienceCV conversion and submission; update information per NIH guidelines.
• Prepare and process routing forms using UIRIS; provide tutorials as needed.
• Organize and compile final grant copy; ensure documentation order, review by administration, and timely compliance with deadlines.
• Prepare and submit post‑award financial and material reports and schedules; monitor budgets monthly; perform fiscal control and fund allocation.
• Maintain EVAL activity investment tracking and spreadsheets for research programs, contracts, and core facilities.
• Analyze, monitor, and report financial data.
• Initiate grant‑related Change of Status and PayCV transactions as requested.
• Monitor compliance with contract and grant terms per University policies and regulations.
• Ensure investigator training is completed on time.
• Perform administrative support tasks: responding to inquiries, data analysis, meeting agendas and minutes, website content maintenance.
• Coordinate annual space reporting and scientific equipment inventory; reconcile missing equipment.
• Attend meetings to expand grant application knowledge; occasional out‑of‑town travel.
• Coordinate annual grant‑related retreats: attendance, venue, catering, presentations, networking.
• Maintain membership databases, publications, data tables for reporting; support publications, grant tracking.
• Process payments via UI AP/PO electronic system; reconcile p‑cards and procurement requests.
• Draft external communications for leadership and investigator review.
• Assist with new faculty grant transfers from external organizations.
• Coordinate grant‑related newsletters: collect info, work with graphic designer, coordinate distribution.
• Apply finance and accounting knowledge and tools for grant management.
• Apply knowledge of contractual, compliance, and legal matters related to grant expenditures.
• Supervise students or other staff as assigned.

• Bachelor of Business Administration or equivalent education and experience.
• One to three years of grant‑related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Pre‑award grant application experience.
• Post‑award grant accounting experience.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures and regulations.

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, IA.
• Fringe benefit package: paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance; generous employer contributions to retirement plans.
• Pay Grade 4A.
• Percent of Time: 60% – 100%.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday – Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm.

• Supervision received: HCCC Associate Director for Administration.
• May supervise students or other staff as assigned.
• Hybrid work within Iowa (state‑wide). Remote work requires prior approval.
• Position not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
• References required at a later step.
• Contact:
  Sarah Waldschmidt – sarah-waldschmidt.
• Application Process:
  
  Submit resume and cover letter addressing the required and desired qualifications.