Post-Award Research Administrator

Title: Post-Award Research Administrator

Location: Houston, TX,  United States

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter 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:

The Post-Award Research Administrator in the School of Social Sciences (SoSS) reports to the SoSS Director of Research Administration. This role provides comprehensive post-award research administration support for the school's departments, centers, programs, and general financial management activities.

Workplace Requirements.

Hybrid position: After a probationary period, this position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work 1-2 days per week to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year

• 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, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

• 2+ years of related administrative experience in an office or academic setting

Skills:

• Intermediate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Meticulous attention to detail in grant administration and regulatory compliance
• Working knowledge of research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and issue-resolution skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on customer service and stakeholder engagement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working at Rice University or another institution of higher education
• Working knowledge of research administration guidelines, regulations, and policies, as well as knowledge of general principles in university policies and procedures
• Experience working with iO or Oracle Cloud ERP system

Essential Functions

Post-Award Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing support to Principal Investigators (PIs) and research teams for post-award administration.
• Serve as a liaison between PIs, funding agencies, research compliance offices, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee grant budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and university policies.
• Assist PIs with financial management, tracking expenses, and reconciling grant accounts.
• Facilitate grant closeout procedures, including financial reporting and equipment disposition.
• Collaborate with compliance offices to address regulatory and sponsor-related requirements.

Additional Functions

• Ensure ethical standards in research administration, maintaining integrity, confidentiality, and resource stewardship.
• Provide training and guidance to faculty, research staff, and departmental administrators on post-award best practices.
• Coordinate with administrative units to optimize post-award processes and grant management workflows.
• Maintain records and documentation related to research administration.
• Manage hourly student labor assignments and labor distributions.
• Serve as a backup for the Assistant Director of Administrative Operations on labor distributions and HCM assignments.
• Provide support for the Director of Research Administration on pre-award administration as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. 

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