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Overview

The Research Administration unit at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is responsible for the full life cycle of quality research administration ranging from proposal development to post award administration, award close-out and award compliance.  The services and resources provided by the unit are geared toward the needs of the research community as well as the requirements of laws and regulations that govern research. 

The Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is the only graduate school of nutrition in North America. The breadth of our programs is unparalleled including cutting-edge research and education from individuals to food systems, and from genetics to policy. This unique breadth and scope make the Friedman School a leading institution for evidence-based nutrition education, research, and public impact.

The Research Administration unit maintains close working relationships with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research in order to keep abreast of policies and systems, and ultimately to create and support an environment that promotes research.

What You'll Do

Responsible for administering varied portfolio of relatively complex sponsored awards. Utilizing research administration knowledge, works with faculty to develop sponsored proposals and to manage post- award compliance activities. Consults with faculty and staff in interpreting intricate sponsor rules and regulations, defines administrative strategy and executes the proposal development work plan to increase the number of proposal submitted to external sponsors, assists faculty and staff in navigating new research administration tools and systems, identifying, proposing solutions and working toward resolutions related to complex pre/post-award matters.

• Reviews funding proposal opportunity announcement or request for grant proposal to gain understanding of requirements, submission process and sponsor guidelines. Using the Research Administration System (RAS), prepares business components of grant application, prepares and routes proposal for internal approval, and prepares and submits subcontractor and other documentation to OVPR’s Office of Research Administration and Development for final review and submission to sponsor.
• Prepares proposal’s categorized budget and budget justification, confirming accuracy of costs, and verifying that correct F&A is applied.  Reviews contracts and subcontracted procurement and financial transactions. Works with Principal Investigator (PI), school, center and central administration to determine allowable and allocable project charges. Develops burn- rate analysis and budget projections.
• Once grant has been awarded, revises categorized budget as necessary. Monitors award budget and reports internally on spending. Provides information for appointment of individuals in compliance with grant provisions. Identifies need for advance accounts and no-cost extensions and takes responsibility for completing required internal documentation.
• Collaborates and serves as content expert, providing consultative advice to faculty and staff and assists in identifying problems and underlying causes to successfully resolve research administration-related matters.
• May assist in School financial management with other assigned program operation functions 

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• The following required knowledge and skills as typically acquired by completing Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of research administration experience
• Knowledge of federal funding agencies, foundations and their grant programs
• Knowledge of regulations that govern federal research funding and related areas of regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent prioritization skills, strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in collegial, supportive manner with faculty and staff
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines while encountering frequent interruptions
• Proficient with MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet
• Proficient with electronic grants management systems (e.g., Grants.Gov Workspace, NIH Assist, Research.gov, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.) and experience with enterprise research administration systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
• Experience with Kuali Coeus