Research Administrator II (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

This Research Administrator II position is based in the Interdisciplinary Research Support Office (IRSO), a subgroup of the Office of Research, whose mission is to facilitate the growth of the research enterprise at Rice University through the provision of high-quality, outcome-focused, administrative support for Rice's research institutes, centers, and multi-departmental and/or multi-institutional research projects.

Under the supervision of IRSO leadership, the Research Administrator II will provide post-award and operational support to customer faculty and senior administrators within IRSO and its affiliated organizations.

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a comprehensive administration and accounting background, with some research administration experience. They should be well-versed in working within a higher education environment and have a proven track record of providing full support for analytical, administrative, and financial post-award research activities.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. A minimum of 60% presence on campus per week is expected. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $63,100 to $66,000 annually

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 2+ years of administrative experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Familiarity with research administration and funding agency guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Intermediate-level knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to interact with all types of stakeholders in a situationally aware, tactful, and productive manner.
• Possesses a problem-solving and inquisitive mindset.

Preferences:

• An enthusiastic attitude towards adopting digital literacy, systems, and policies.
• Exhibit exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain meticulous records.
• Ability to accomplish goals with diplomacy, tact, and respect for confidential information.
• Proven experience managing grants and contracts with federal agencies.
• Capable of contributing to various collaborative projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using Oracle-based (or similar) business systems and working in virtual meeting platforms like Zoom.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee project budgets and supply data for financial and progress reports as required.
• Coordinate and review account setup and closeout, monitor expenditures, and approve them as necessary.
• Create and uphold reporting protocols to comply with IRSO standards, ensuring all data is tracked, analyzed, and reviewed monthly for precise award management.
• Collaborate with faculty and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure proper allocation of charges, accurate award management, and compliance with regulations.
• Identify the need for and process no-cost extensions, project rebudgets, and cost transfers.
• Act as a liaison with the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Cost Accounting, and other departments at Rice to ensure that process workflows are correctly managed by all parties and progress towards desired outcomes.
• Oversees and organizes records, files, and reports.
• Provide operational support to IRSO faculty, institutes, centers, and groups as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.