Research Account Specialist

Job Title:  Research Account Specialist, College of Engineering

Location: West Lafayette, IN, United States

Job Description:

Req Id:  44133

Job Description: 

Job Summary

Join Purdue University's College of Engineering as a Research Account Specialist and play a vital role in advancing groundbreaking research that fuels innovation and discovery. In this position, you will manage a portfolio of faculty research accounts, supporting sponsored projects throughout their lifecycle, from proposal development and submission through post-award administration.

Working closely with principal investigators (PIs), you will coordinate proposal processing, prepare budgets and financial projections, monitor account activity, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor requirements. You will also oversee financial reporting, maintain fiscal controls, and help resolve issues to keep projects moving forward efficiently and responsibly. As a trusted partner to faculty, sponsors, subcontractors, and university stakeholders, you will provide guidance on research administration policies and procedures while fostering strong communication and collaboration across teams.

This position is primarily remote, with hybrid work options potentially available. We are seeking a detail-oriented professional who values financial stewardship, exceptional customer service, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or a related field.
• One year of experience in account management, financial management, or a related field.

Skills Needed:

• Strong verbal/written communication skills
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, organizational, project management, and customer service skills
• Strong quantitative skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and produce quality management reports
• Ability to analyze, interpret and implement University policies and procedures
• Ability to influence and build working relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that allows for demands of reporting, implementation of new projects, etc.
• Learning orientation toward changing technology impacting business processes

Additional Information: 

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
• A background check will be required for employment in this position  
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)  
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period