About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Research Development & Support Specialist is responsible for the full cycle of research administration providing specific expertise and support on grant and contract proposals to post award activities occurring in the Department of Psychology & Brain Sciences (PBS).

Essential Functions

• Grant Development & Pre-Award Administration
  • Assesses needs and creatively develops initiatives based on PBS faculty research experience that will enhance research funding and productivity in the PBS department.
  • Works with individual faculty to understand research interest and expertise, assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities; plan and execute effective searches for funding sources (inclusive of federal and state grant, contract, foundation, and industry support).
  • With a targeted funding source under submission, provides assistance in the management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising faculty and Principal Investigator (PI) of sponsor guidelines, participation in assembling the grant application, budget preparation/justifications, facilities descriptions, subcontracts and other content-oriented forms such as C.V.s and other administrative requirements for the submission of all grants and contracts.
  • Reviews proposals and provide suggestions for writing and communication improvements. Coordinates pre-award submission activity for the department.
• Grant Monitoring
  • Develops and implements a manageable system to monitor and provide Principal Investigator's budget updates.
  • Develops and enhances implementation tools for faculty buyouts in coordination with the CNS Business Office, Grants' Manager, and Directors/Department Head.
  • Troubleshoots problems in sub-contracts, payments, and PO processing.
  • Develops fiscal management systems for faculty to expedite paperwork and reduce investigator burden.
  • Monitors operating expenses, prepares timely variance-to-budget reports, and advises on reconciliation actions.
• Post-Award
  • Works with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalizes all expenditure activity of expired grants.
  • Assists and participates with grant accounting in award termination process to close out accounts.
• General
  • Serves as a liaison for faculty throughout the full life cycle of awards from proposal development to post award administrations, award close-out, and award compliance.
  • Acts as a liaison between Principal Investigators and the office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) for pre-award/proposal matters, the office of Post-Award Management (OPAM) and Controller’s Office for post-award matters.
  • Responds proactively and reactively to problems, concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness. 
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support CNS’ strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
• Takes initiatives and operates with self-direction.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree (preferably in Business Administration or closely related field) and at least six (6) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environment OR Bachelor's degree (preferably in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or closely related field) and at least four (4) years of experience in research project management, grand development, budgeting and administration, preferably in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of grants writing and project coordination.
• Experience with budget construction and monitoring, ability to analyze and interpret financial information.
• Ability to plan, organize and lead administrative activities related to grant development and administration.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.
• Self-directed, organized, and goal oriented.
• Ability to recognize administrative problems and implement effective solutions.
• Experience with quantitative data collection and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with pre-award and post-award grant support, and managing finances with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting. 
• Experience with using PeopleSoft and Summit computer programs as well as Human Resources and other systems used by the University.
• Experience with preparing/submitting research proposals and budgets. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.). Experience with Kuali.
• Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Office is located in Tobin Hall at University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Salary Information

Level 26 

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.