Research Coordinator - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center

Research Coordinator - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Research Coordinator coordinates research activities within the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, serving as a key liaison among research personnel, funding agencies, and university administrative units. By managing these critical aspects of the research enterprise, this role ensures projects run smoothly from a research reporting and output delivery, financial, compliance, and logistical standpoint, allowing faculty and researchers to focus on advancing their scientific work.

• Research Administration:
  • Coordinate the hiring of Research staff, Postdocs, Graduate and Undergraduate students.
  • Coordinate and facilitate internal communications with university HR, SPA or ISSS on personnel-related tasks such as travel planning, reimbursement, salary, and visa.
  • Track research project progress and prepare progress reports, and extension request documentation to the funding agencies.
  • Support to manage project finance and its reporting to the funding agencies in compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
  • Monitor staffing across the grant portfolio and identify what roles need to be filled to meet project goals.
  • Assist in planning and coordinating scientific meetings, workshops, and seminars, including logistics, agendas, and materials.
• Research Administrative Oversight:
  • Assist in the preparation, formatting, and timely submission of grant proposals, including budgets, biosketches, and compliance documents.
  • Coordinate procurement and purchasing for projects in accordance with University of Illinois policies and procedures.
  • Assist in arranging conference and field data collection travel for lab members. Support subcontract and subaward administration as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in science, liberal arts, or business administration
• One year of experience with research coordination in an academic, private, or relevant public/nonprofit environment

• Three years of experience with administrative management of research projects
• Demonstrated experience with budget and project management
• Experience with grant submissions and life cycles
• Familiarity with federal grant compliance (e.g., NSF, USDA, NASA) and university financial systems.

• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Google products
• Willingness to learn University of Illinois and federal compliance policies

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

At the University…