Grant & Contract Administrator - Princeton University

Princeton University seeks a highly motivated, well-qualified individual to serve as a Grant and Contract Administrator (GCA) in the Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA). The GCA will be responsible for a portfolio of academic departments supported by grants, contracts and other research-related agreements. Primary duties include the review and submission of research proposals, along with the negotiation and acceptance of grants and contracts. In addition, the GCA will work in close collaboration with multiple stakeholders on and off campus to help ensure the overall effective coordination of research administration services, systems, policies, and processes.

The GCA will provide timely, high-quality and coordinated research administrative services to Princeton University faculty, researchers and departmental staff. The GCA is responsible for the formal solicitation, negotiation and administration of extramural support for University research, training, and public service projects funded by government and non-government sponsors (sponsored projects).

The GCA is responsible for conducting comprehensive analysis of proposals for extramural support to government and non-government entities, and negotiating a full array of grants, contracts and other research-related agreements, some of which may require risk mitigation recommendations and strategies related to complex or problematic terms and conditions). The GCA will partner with the ORPA Contracts Manager regarding nonfunded agreements (i.e., confidentiality agreements, data use agreements) as well as funded agreements that contain particularly challenging/potentially risky terms. The GCA will also collaborate with the Subaward Administrator as necessary at proposal stage, as well as to provide assistance in preparing and negotiating subawards issued.

The GCA is responsible for advising and assisting Princeton University department administrators, principal investigators, and staff members; interpreting and explaining request for proposal conditions, grant, contract and other research-related agreement terms and conditions, and assisting in the resolution of issues that develop in the course of projects by consulting with the investigator(s), staff, and sponsors. The GCA will participate in developing and providing training on sponsored research to the campus community.

The GCA must have a strong service orientation, good problem-solving abilities, effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors. As a professional staff member, the GCA is an advocate for responsive, effective research administration.

The GCA must be energetic and able to function effectively and independently in a fast- moving environment subject to external pressure and frequent interruptions. The GCA will also provide back-up support for their colleagues, and develop and implement   ideas for increasingly effective service.

Essential Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of research administration principles, policies and procedures and nationally-recognized best practices (including those promulgated by the Federal Demonstration Partnership), as well as pertinent federal regulations (such as the Uniform Guidance, the NIH Grants Policy Statement), patent and copyright law, cost accounting standards and the overall audit environment
• Knowledge of nonfederal sponsors and best practices in working with nonfederal sponsors, including industry, foundations and foreign sponsors
• Understanding of export control regulations
• Understanding of compliance-related responsibilities including conflict of interest in research, as well as the IACUC and IRB processes
• Experience composing and negotiating complex contracts and other agreements, effectively using knowledge of prime award terms, core University principles, policies and processes
• Familiarity with the application of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, Federal circulars, and major agency policies and regulations
• Experience with research administration in an academic setting highly desirable
• Strong oral and written communication skills; sound professional judgment; analytical problem solving ability; emotional maturity and ability to provide high quality service in a timely manner is required
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, consulting with appropriate parties as needed
• Ability to work effectively, prioritize and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume professional environment; and to conclude negotiations and execute awards in a timely and measurable manner
• Fluency in internal and external systems that support research administration; interest in using technology and data/metrics to work more efficiently and intelligently
• Understanding of key performance indicators in sponsored programs offices and comfort level with data, reporting and metrics
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work the hours necessary to accomplish the job
• High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards
• Minimum of five years of sponsored research administration experience or equivalent required
• BA/BS or equivalent work experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Huron Research Suite (or other major university preaward enterprise system) application, PeopleSoft Financial Systems, and Visual Compliance
• Understanding of Princeton's objectives, policies, organization and procedures
• Experience in sponsored programs administration at a “Research I” university highly desirable

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS