UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) seeks applicants for a full-time position as a Grants and Contracts Specialist to join IMS’s professional staff team. The Institute of Materials Science is an interdisciplinary institute with a threefold mission fostering education, research, and outreach in all areas of the materials sciences. The Institute’s research environment is fast-paced, with a large and diverse portfolio of sponsored awards. Under the direction of Institute leadership, the incumbent will provide our interdisciplinary faculty members support throughout the pre-award submission process and in select aspects of post-award grant administration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides day-to-day management and oversight of a high volume of sponsored project proposals.
2. Prepares faculty grant applications for submission, including drafting proposal documents, informing faculty of the submission process, establishing a grant record, coordinating with collaborators, drafting budgets, and navigating various electronic proposal systems.
3. Coordinates and maintains internal records of grant applications and information, including budget details, correspondences, submitted applications, sub-recipient information, etc.
4. Provides grant application technical assistance and training, as needed.
5. Explores, researches, and identifies appropriate funding sources (federal, industry, non-profit, donor) that are consistent with the Department's mission and goals.
6. Interacts with faculty to explain services and assist with proposals and accounts as needed.
7. Maintains confidentiality of information and professional boundaries while providing customer service to faculty, internal, and external contacts.
8. Interprets and communicates detailed grant program guidelines, policies, technical contract language, and procedures.
9. Monitors compliance with guidelines from awarding agencies and maintains familiarity with terms and conditions associated with grant proposals and awards.
10. Prepares budgets and financial reports for planning and review purposes; includes projections and analysis as needed.
11. Uses various university electronic systems (including KFS, WebFocus, InfoEd, HuskyBuy, and CoreCT) to analyze, verify, and process necessary financial transactions (e.g. invoices, reimbursements, internal billings, requisitions, payroll), ensuring that commitments are met and that expenditures are allowable, allocable and reasonable.
12. Supports monitoring, tracking, and interpreting fiscal records for departmental awards to maintain compliance with grant policies.
13. Communicates financial information regarding research accounts to faculty members, including remaining balances, anticipated payroll expenses, and incoming funding.
14. Upholds routine internal controls, in accordance with departmental and University expectations.
15. Complies with federal, state, and University standards and regulations to state appropriated budgets, sponsored and/or external grants, as well as Foundation and gift-related accounts.
16. Corresponds with administrators from other institutions and sponsor contacts.
17. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field and four years of related experience OR Master’s degree and two years of related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to consistently apply strict attention to detail within work products/materials.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strengths in both written and verbal communication.
• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft and Adobe programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and university policies governing the planning, application development, and management of research grants and contracts.
• Experience with creating and submitting grant proposals through sponsor systems (NIH eRA Commons, research.gov, grants.gov, EERE).
• Direct experience providing administrative support to researchers.
• Experience working with UConn electronic systems (KFS, Webfocus, InfoEd, HuskyBuy, CoreCT).
• Experience in detailed and collaborative budget preparation within strict parameters.
• Demonstrated mastery of working in a deadline-driven environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience. This position could potentially have a hybrid work schedule, subject to authorization and University Policy.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498373 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Screening will begin immediately, and the search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Priority will be given to applications received by May 26, 2024.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.