Research Administrator, COM

Overview The College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) is looking for a Research Administrator to coordinate and carry out a variety of administrative functions associated with the daily operations of defined research areas at COM, including compliance with internal and external contract policies, collaborating with key administrative offices supporting research at UNE, and streamlining and supporting administrative and financial procedures for faculty and laboratory personnel. This position provides budgetary and fiscal support for the grant-active Principal Investigators (PIs) in the COM. The role also supports the Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship, the COM Director of Finance & Administration, and the COM Dean/VP of Health Affairs in administering research-related operating budgets and disseminating information to maximize faculty research productivity and COM student engagement in research at all levels, working closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Associate Provost for Research. Responsibilities In collaboration with the COM Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship, act as a liaison with the Office of Research and Innovation and affiliated teams to enable faculty-directed research, enhance engagement of medical students in research, and ensure compliance with College, COCA, IRB, IACUC, and granting agency fiscal and compliance policies. Support increased research productivity by streamlining lab setups and supporting efforts to increase grant submissions. Develop clear, consistent operating procedures to communicate and advise COM faculty on internal and grant-related contractual compliance policies and expectations. Provide budgetary and financial support to COM PI Faculty and professional staff, including: Provide budget oversight and transaction histories, and assist in the management of grant expenditures for external grants and internal grant/fellowship funds. Track and reconcile grant budget lines. Compile data and evaluate spending patterns throughout the grant cycle. Track grant records requiring COM Dean’s approval. Process and track grant-related Approvals to Travel and Travel Expense Vouchers. Reconcile grant-related purchase cards. Coordinate with ORIC, OSP, and COM Director F&A for grant-related Requests for Contracts. Serve as liaison between faculty, staff, and other key University personnel to process special grant-related requests. Work closely with the Grants Accounting and Compliance Manager to monitor post-award budget processes and advise faculty regarding the drawdown of internal and external accounts. Work closely with Research Center Shared Resource Directors and the Office of Research and Innovation to monitor and verify the fiscal aspects of shared resource use. Initiate new hire paperwork and assist with onboarding professional, temp, and student employees for research labs; streamline onboarding and off-boarding procedures for new hires and departing faculty and lab personnel. Monitor internal and external funding opportunities to create and maintain a monthly communication to increase the overall number of grants submitted by COM faculty. Develop and maintain a database of internal and external grant submissions, determine “hit rate,” and work with the Dean and Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship to increase funding with a focus on medical student engagement. Conduct orientations on the physical space, building, and laboratory layouts, and facilitate access to Shared Resources and facilities. Coordinate with and act as COM monitor for the department of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure research operations comply with site-specific procedures and applicable regulations. Perform other specialized/technical tasks as needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in a related field (research administration, science, or business). 3–5 years’ experience in research administration, grant management, or compliance. Knowledge of federal and institutional compliance requirements (IRB, IACUC, COCA, NIH/NSF policies). Experience with pre- and post-award grant processes, budget development, and financial reconciliation. Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory, fiscal, and contractual policies. Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile, track, and evaluate financial and grant-related data. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaison work with faculty, staff, and central research units. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate timelines, and develop consistent processes. Familiarity with laboratory environments and research operations; experience supporting research onboarding preferred. Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and grant management or financial tracking systems. EEO and Additional Information EEO Statement: Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination in employment and services based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or veteran status. Vaccination Statement: Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity. Additional Note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr