Sponsored Research Administrator - College of Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Engineering Research Accelerator, which is a part of the College of Engineering, provides an integrated, coordinated, and college-wide set of services for research incubation, acceleration, and support.  These functions include research administration, corporate partnership, funding opportunities, business support, and research incubation and acceleration activities. The Engineering Research Accelerator enables continuous assessment of current activities and clusters, as well as the identification and fostering of high-potential, cross-cutting, emerging research directions to maintain the College’s competitive advantage. 

The Sponsored Research Assistant position is part of the research administration team and is responsible for a broad range of research grant and contract fiscal management functions.  The incumbent will have daily interaction with faculty, staff and researchers, federal and non-federal sponsors, finance and research representatives from subcontracting institutions, the University’s Sponsored Projects Accounting Office, the Office of Sponsored Programs, as well as finance and research administration counterparts campus-wide.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provides financial reporting to faculty on various research grants and for various programs on a monthly or quarterly basis; conducts variance analyses, researches the causes of variances between planned and actual expenses, and works with other areas of the university on a regular basis to solve complex financial issues.
• Establishes accounts in financial systems, re-budgets funds and monitors or modifies award and expenditures. 
• Interprets regulations and guidelines for program funding (both university and agency) for multiple complex grants.  Provides monitoring of grants and contracts to ensure expenses are being paid according to contracts. 
• Provides faculty members with various options and scenarios that can be used in a proposal's planning or during the execution of the work.
• Participates in selected university, college, and department meetings.
• Values working as member of a larger team, embodying a flexible, collaborative approach to assignments and expectations as needs change.

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

What You Bring:

• Willingness and ability to understand and interpret university and government policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven expertise in Excel
• Extreme attention to detail in a fast-paced academic environment
• Ability to work well independently, but also to seek assistance when needed.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
• Research Administration Experience or CRA certification a plus

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with some on-campus/in office presence required.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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