GCO Grants Analyst II - Office of Research

Summary The Office of Research helps to facilitate life-saving biomedical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Nine distinct units provide specialized support to meet the administrative needs of our investigators and research staff, and together we coordinate, regulate, and monitor research studies. Our Grants and Contracts Office (GCO) unit supports MCW investigators and research staff in submitting competitive, compliant, and high-quality funding proposals.

The GCO Grants Analyst II is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, accountability, and professional judgment in managing a specialized and complex portfolio. The Analyst II role reflects advancement beyond foundational grant processing and requires consistent demonstration of critical thinking, initiative, and ownership of outcomes. The Analyst II works directly with investigators and their teams to facilitate, submit, negotiate and award incoming grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.

Utilizing a daily working knowledge of regulatory and institutional policies, the Analyst II reviews and submits grant applications on behalf of the institution, consults and advises investigators and their teams, develops and implements compliance measures.

Primary Responsibilities Demonstrate dependable performance and follow-through in managing deadlines, high-volume submissions, and complex awards without the need for routine oversight.

Exercises independent judgment in interpreting sponsor and institutional policies, identifying risk, and resolving issues through proactive problem-solving.

Maintains accuracy and compliance at a consistently high standard, recognizing that errors at this level carry institutional impact.

Review grant applications, proposals and funding requests. Prepare same for submission to sponsor, and complete submission to funding agencies on behalf of the institution. Anticipates challenges and pursues answers independently, escalating appropriately only after thoughtful analyst and solution exploration.

Interpret and articulate both institutional and sponsor policies and relevant procedures to ensure compliance. Proactively keep department apprised of changes in policies and regulations of relevant granting agencies. Work with departments and central administrative offices to achieve compliance.

Contributes to team stability and reliability, especially during peak periods, serving as a consistent and trusted resource.

Negotiate terms and conditions of grant and contract awards and accept awards on behalf of the institution. Communicates with clarity and authority when representing GCO to departments and sponsoring agencies.

Demonstrates commitment to professional growth, expanding subject matter expertise, identifying process improvements, and building readiness for increasingly complex res.

Models professionalism and accountability, reinforcing team standards and contributing positively to team culture.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities Preaward clinical research support is a lengthy, detailed and structured process that requires an individual to have strong organizational skills and persistent follow-through. Must have solid knowledge of related federal regulations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Office of Management and Budget, and the ability to interpret organizational policies and guidelines for research management.

Success at the Analyst II level is defined not only by task completion, but by ownership, sound judgment, institutional awareness, and demonstrated readiness for continued advancement within the team structure.

Proven ability to maintain balance between positive relationships with external sponsors and internal personnel while adhering to the requirements of the institution. Ability to maintain confidences, perform effectively in a stressful, deadline-driven environment, and effectively plan and organize projects impacting the work of others. Positive advocacy of the goals and objectives of the unit, department and mission of MCW is essential.

Flexibility with internal processes and timelines is fundamental. Must have strong customer service skills that includes…