Post Award Research Administrator

Overview

At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service. We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities. Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery, dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizing cutting‑edge brain‑imaging technology and collaborative clinical studies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and to develop life‑changing treatments.

As a vital part of a nationally renowned public research institution, we foster an “UNcommon” environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation in public health. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges through rigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment to community well‑being.

As a member of the Wright Center for Clinical & Translational Research and the Institute for Drug & Alcohol Studies administrative team, this position is responsible for sponsored research post‑award administration as well as support of internally funded research projects. The position provides post‑award financial and administrative support to research faculty at the individual award level with close attention to the adherence of all applicable Sponsor, institutional, state and federal policies and procedures.

Manages post‑award activities in support of an assigned portfolio of grants and contracts within the department.

Takes the initiative to learn and use knowledge of grant and contract management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills. Post‑award activities include regular review, reconciliation, and projection of award finances, preparing adjustments and corrections to award budgets, preparing financial reports, and at the end of the award, ensuring all financial requirements have been met, and closing out the award.

Tracks deadlines for Research Performance Progress Reports. Prompts faculty well in advance of deadlines, prepares and submits required reports to various funding agencies.

Interacts regularly with and provides high quality customer service to faculty members conducting sponsored research.

Ensures adherence to quality standards and all policies and award regulations. Creates high quality written documents if and as needed.

Upon award acceptance, defines account establishment parameters, including billing and reporting requirements, budget, and cost sharing obligations.

Oversees the award set up process in VCU’s financial system. Distributes award information to PIs, co‑PIs and relevant staff and other VCU academic units.

Monitors award spending and work with the PRO / CHRI administrative team to ensure accurate and timely allocations for budgeted personnel.

Reviews and reconcile award expenditures and budgets, adjusting, as necessary. Projects and forecasts for future award expenditures. Manages budget and spending tracking, reporting and compliance timelines through the lifecycle of the grant or contract.

Communicates with PIs on a regular basis regarding budget and expense adjustments and revisions. Works with VCU’s…