Position Overview
The Research Development Specialist for the Institute for Policy & Social Research (IPSR) facilitates and administers sponsored research proposal development and submission on behalf of IPSR Research Centers, faculty affiliates, and graduate students and works in collaboration with the Research Development Officer. IPSR sponsored research includes a complex and diverse portfolio of collaborative, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional social science research. The Research Development Specialist assists faculty and research staff in the process of seeking sponsored project funds for their research initiatives. The Research Development Specialist is the primary liaison between the researcher and the KU Center for Research during the development and award/contract negotiation stages. The Research Development Specialist must be able to work in a deadline-driven environment and be able to prioritize and balance competing demands.
Job Description
60% - Sponsored Research Proposal Submissions:
Serves as primary liaison between KU Center for Research Pre-Award and the principal investigator and provides direct support for proposal preparation to the investigator/team. Facilitates an effective proposal development process in cooperation with the investigator or research team. Coordinates the work of proposal teams, including investigators and proposal development staff. Works directly with research teams to develop proposal submissions. Assists researchers in developing long-term funding strategy based on investigators research agenda and career goals. Provides guidance to investigators on strategic approaches to funding calls based on analysis of funding call and agency priorities. Provides technical review and interpretation of proposal guidelines and advises investigator of specific requirements. Reviews documents throughout the process to ensure compliance. Liaises with KU Center for Research to ensure proposal compliance with University and agency guidelines. Develops proposal budgets and justifications in concert with the investigator/team to support the scope of the research. Ensures proposals are complete and submitted within agency deadlines.
25% - Research Planning, Strategy, & Networking:
Works directly with the investigator to understand their individual research goals and priorities in order to provide individual recommendations for funding opportunities, research portfolio development, and research career planning. Stays current on agency funding priorities and initiatives as they relate to IPSR Research Center and faculty affiliate research interests. Facilitates collaborations across disciplines. Provides education on the external funding process. Works with investigators to identify potential funding sources: conducts searches for sources of project funding; disseminates funding opportunity information. Beginning with the discussion phase of project development, provides recommendations on structure and overall project strategy in order to ensure the best opportunity for proposal and project success. Based on individual investigator needs and stage of development, makes recommendations for expertise and resources such as data management, methodologies, and research computing, and connects researchers with internal and external resources to fill the needs and enhance the proposal. Coordinates KU and external faculty reviews as appropriate. Throughout the research development process, responds to the investigator needs on an individual basis.
10% - Grant Management & Reporting:
Upon award, transitions project to IPSR post-award by providing relevant project information including budget details. Provides ongoing support to principal investigators for annual renewals and project status updates as required by sponsoring agencies. Serves as liaison for initial sub-award contracts as appropriate. Maintains proposal/project electronic and paper files for the life of the project. Reviews agreements and subcontracts.
5% - Outreach & Other Duties:
Represents IPSR to social science faculty, researchers, and other collaborators across campus in order to share information about the Institute and its research administration capacity and expertise. Assists with the design and planning of research development workshops, events, or other initiatives that support sponsored research development at KU. Performs administrative and other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in a social science discipline and one year of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s Degree and two years of relevant experience.
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Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
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Experience with MS Word and MS Excel (3 years); basic level experience with Adobe Acrobat Professional as evidenced by application materials.
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Experience working independently on complex tasks as evidenced by work history.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a university research environment.
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One year proposal development or grant writing experience.
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Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with research faculty, staff, administrators, and students across disciplines.
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Experience developing budgets, including the conceptual aspect as well as the technical aspect.
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Experience proofreading for accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
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Established work history and success in deadline driven work environment as evidenced by application materials and verified by references.
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Excellent interpersonal communications skills as evidenced by interview.
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Experience working with external funding sources, such as federal agencies (i.e. NSF, NIH, Dept. of Education) and/or private foundations (i.e. Spencer, Robert Wood Johnson, Kauffman) and their grant-related policies, programs, procedures and practices as evidenced by application materials and interview.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete online application includes a cover letter, a resume/CV, and names and contact information for 3 professional references.
Initial review will begin June 29th and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is obtained.
Contact Information to Applicants
Jena Gunter
kujena@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Minimum $48,000
Work Schedule
40 hours/week
Application Review Begins
Thursday June 29, 2023
Anticipated Start Date
Monday July 24, 2023
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