Research Administrator - Post-Award

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

School Of Medicine MBU

Internal Medicine

The Research Administrator (RA) is responsible for providing comprehensive support for and post-award research administration. This role ensures compliance with institutional, sponsor, and federal regulations while facilitating the efficient administration of sponsored research projects. The RA will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), department leadership, and central research administration offices to manage the lifecycle of sponsored projects, from proposal development through award closeout.

The RA is expected to provide excellent customer service, ensuring that faculty and researchers receive timely, accurate, and proactive support.

RAs belong to a shared service model which oversees a variety of grant types (clinical and basic science research) across a variety of departments. Volume and complexity of portfolio increase with skill.

• Send out monthly reporting, which is at minimum:
  • Effort Summaries
  • Financial projections
  • Confirmation of review of the MER
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between the PI, department, sponsor, and central offices for financial and administrative management of awards, fostering transparent and efficient communication.
• Distribute monthly reporting including effort summaries, financial projections, and MER review confirmations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the PI, department, sponsor, and central offices, promoting transparent, efficient communication.
• Establish, monitor, and reconcile budgets
  , ensuring expenditures are reasonable, allowable, and allocable per sponsor guidelines.
• Manage effort reporting
  , salary allocations, and ECC compliance; coordinate payroll adjustments and resolve discrepancies.
• Review and process grant transactions
  , including subaward invoices, cost transfers, and procurement charges.
• Prepare and review financial reports (e.g., forecasts, burn rates), ensuring alignment with budget and funding.
• Coordinate award modifications
  , such as no-cost extensions, carryovers, budget revisions, and personnel changes.
• Ensure timely submission of sponsor reports (RPPRs, financials, closeouts), proactively tracking deadlines.
• Support audits, maintain accurate grant records
  , and uphold sponsor/institutional documentation requirements.
• Provide financial guidance to PIs and research teams to support responsible grant stewardship.
• Respond to PI and staff inquiries promptly, delivering customer-focused solutions
  .
• Conduct regular expenditure reviews to verify compliance; elevate and resolve issues proactively.
• Track cost-sharing
  , outstanding commitments, and ensure timely resolution of encumbrances and cost transfers.
• Oversee subrecipient monitoring and ensure compliance with risk assessment and documentation standards.
• Understanding and solving for delivery of Effort Reporting
• Federal grant management knowledge on the department and school levels

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored research, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), sponsor-specific policies, and institutional procedures.
• Stay updated on changes in research administration policies and communicate relevant updates to faculty and staff.
• Maintain awareness of evolving sponsor, regulatory, financial management, and institutional policies
  , advising faculty and department leadership, staff accordingly.

• In support of organization goals, lead or contribute to special initiatives, process improvements, and strategic projects as assigned.

• Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
• Opportunity to engage in campus-wide working groups, committees, or professional organizations to enhance expertise and contribute to best practices
• Maintain any required certifications and pursue relevant credentials that support career growth and organizational excellence.

• Candidates with 2 or more years of direct pre and post award research administration experience may be considered for Research Administrator slotting.
• Candidates with 4+ direct years experience could be considered for Senior Research Administrator slotting.
• Must possess ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms.
• Must have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, be pro-active in asking questions and seeking guidance when needed.
• Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to prioritize and manage…