Pre- Award Research Support Lead
As the lead for the College of Engineering pre-award team, the Pre-Award Research Support Lead will oversee staff and provide direction, administrative support, and resources for the pre-award research administration function of the College of Engineering. This position requires a high degree of initiative and independence.
Hybrid within Iowa: This position may be eligible for a combination of on-campus and remote work within Iowa after the training period is completed. Work arrangement options will be discussed during the hiring process. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
- Responsible for pre-award management with a high degree of complexity for submission to both federal and non-federal funding sources.
- Assist faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and staff with navigating the university’s research infrastructure by providing checklists, advising of internal deadlines, developing grant submission timelines, interpreting sponsor guidelines, developing supporting materials, preparing budgets, and proofreading documents as needed.
- Prepare budgets for grant, contract, and sub-award proposals, renewals, budget justifications and periodic reports in accordance with federal, UI, and private foundations policies/deadlines.
- Submit cost-share requests as part of proposal process and advise DEO and research administrator of implications of grant awards, such as cost sharing requests and use of facilities.
- Ensure compliance with contract/grant terms in accordance with University policies and state and federal regulations.
- Work with the Associate Dean for Research, center/institute directors, and College CFO/COO to develop and implement strategic plans to meet funding-related goals of the College.
- Consult with departments, institutes, centers, and research faculty to discuss, evaluate, and plan for current and future needs.
- Serve as liaison to internal organizations and external funding agencies to assure compliance, adherence to policies and status tracking, and direct communications with sponsors and other entities.
- Communicate with University of Iowa units to assure compliance, adherence to policies and status tracking, and direct communications with sponsors and other entities.
- In collaboration with stakeholders develop, gather input, and feedback, and implement policies and practices that supports staff engagement in the workplace.
- Assist in the hiring, and developing, of the pre-award team, ensuring staff adherence to university and sponsor requirements and policies.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to producing knowledge that addresses grand challenges in advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. We pride ourselves on producing ethical, globally aware engineers whose work makes the world safer and more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the College of Engineering is committed to improving the quality of life for our Iowa community, as well as for people across the United States and around the world.
We uphold the values of respect, community, and collaboration in all our endeavors, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where members are valued and supported. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive environment that values work-life balance and personal well-being. The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness resources, dual career support, and opportunities for professional development. Learn more about working at the University of Iowa: Build A Career/Build a Life.
Education Requirement:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of three years of experience with research funding acquisition process and proposal development, including experience developing and managing proposal budgets for multiple concurrent projects.
- Experience working with federal funding agencies.
- Demonstrated ability in leading, motivating, evaluating, and rewarding cross-functional teams with extensive proficiency in team leadership and collaboration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated at an extensive proficiency level.
- Accuracy and attention to detail, as demonstrated at an extensive proficiency level.
- Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
- Extensive proficiency in Microsoft Office computer programs, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations, and experience working with the University of Iowa Research Information System (UIRIS), Cayuse, and eRA Commons.
- Extensive experience working with a range of local, state, and industry sponsors.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Pay level 6B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
About Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
