Sponsored Research Grants Coordinator - Department of Astronomy (College of LAS)

Sponsored Research Grants Coordinator - Department of Astronomy

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Astronomy is searching for a Sponsored Research Grants Coordinator to manage all pre-award and post-award aspects of sponsored research activities for investigators in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Department of Astronomy has a long-standing history, organized as a department in 1921, and maintains an expansive sponsored research portfolio encompassing research in compact objects, computational data, cosmology, galaxies, instrumentation, observations, stars and planets, and theory. This position serves as the primary liaison supporting faculty through the full lifecycle of sponsored research, from proposal preparation through award close-out.

Duties & Responsibilities

Pre-Award

• Serve as the primary Sponsored Research liaison between the Principal Investigator, the Astronomy Business Office, and the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) office; support Astronomy leadership with sponsored research fiscal responsibilities.
• Review solicitations and provide guidance on submission of sponsored research proposals across Astronomy's diverse research areas, including compact objects, cosmology, galaxies, instrumentation, observational programs, stars and planets, and theory.
• Develop complex project budgets and other components of applications submitted through various federally managed electronic research administration systems, including Research.gov, Grants.gov, and NASA NSPIRES, as well as private research sponsors.
• Counsel researchers through the pre- and post-award processes for externally-funded research projects, utilizing a solid understanding of federal regulations for sponsored research.
• Conduct analysis of faculty effort in accordance with regulatory compliance guidelines.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers on campus, as well as with other educational institutions, government agencies, national labs, and private organizations during both the application and award execution process.
• Confirm that investigators and other personnel on a proposal have completed required University, sponsor, regulatory, and other training mandates and disclosures.

Post-Award

• Maintain professional relationships with departmental and central campus offices to facilitate effective and efficient business processes.
• Work in coordination with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to monitor expenditures in accordance with sponsor and university guidelines.
• Provide advice and action plans on use of research funding according to federal agency or other sponsor terms and regulations.
• Confirm with faculty and principal investigators that all subrecipients have completed their scope of work, including all required deliverables, and submitted their final billing.
• Verify contributed effort and cost share on sponsored projects, including but not limited to the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process with SPA.
• Develop internal business systems and specialized reports as needed for sponsored research management.
• Facilitate project close-out functions, including tracking of sponsor billing and final reporting requirements

Compliance

• Responsible for verification of allowability, allocability, and consistency among like transfers to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
• Stay current on changing campus, sponsor, and federal policies and guidelines, including regulations specific to major Astronomy funding agencies (NSF, NASA, DOE).
• Seek continuing education opportunities or relevant certifications, including pursuit of Illini Certified Research Administrator (ICRA) designation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, or a field related to the position.
• Demonstrated professional work experience in sponsored research administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education or research institution setting.
• Familiarity with sponsored research portfolios in physical sciences, astronomy, or related scientific fields.
• Prior experience with federal electronic research administration systems such as Research.gov, Grants.gov, and NASA NSPIRES.
• Experience in accounting, auditing, or financial management of research awards.
• Illini Certified Research Administrator (ICRA) designation.

Successful Candidates Will Have

• Demonstrated exceptional professional service skills and the ability to work in a team setting;
• Proven effective organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to exhibit discretion in professional judgment;
• Attention to detail; Critical and analytical mindset;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize;
• Highly developed communication skills;
• Ability to develop and tailor tools to effectively communicate ideas and analyze situations;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to represent the Department and the University in a professional manner. Extensive knowledge of PC-based tools including Word and Excel. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Knowledge of sponsored research activity within a University setting;
• Prior experience with federal electronic research administration systems, such as Research.gov, Grants.gov NASA NSPIRES, etc.;
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards (GAS);
• Familiarity with the University's MyUI-Financials, Banner system, and the Data Warehouse, and general database application knowledge.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 - Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, August 27th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including email) for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions regarding the application process, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and