Research Business Coordinator

Research Business Coordinator Department: Material Science Institute Appointment Type: Regular, Ongoing Salary Range: $52,000 - $62,000 per year, commensurate with experience FTE: 1.0 Department Summary The University of Oregon has a long history of advancement and innovation through interdisciplinary research, education, and training. Our highly collaborative culture is supported by our research centers and institutes overseen by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Within our network of centers and institutes, researchers, students, and supporting staff work across disciplines to expand the boundaries of knowledge and develop innovative solutions to global challenges. Research Administrative Services 2 provides business and research administration services to selected centers and institutes in support of the University’s research mission. RAS2 aims to provide high‑quality services in the areas of business operations, research administration and grants management, human resources, budget development, finance, payroll, purchasing, contracting, travel, accounts payable/receivable, and programmatic support. RAS2 supports affiliated service centers and center/institute‑specific programmatic, technical, and infrastructure support personnel. The units supported by RAS2 constitute a large research enterprise consisting of more than 100 employees, $16M in annual grant expenditures, and $1.5M in annual operating budgets. RAS2 itself is projected to have an estimated 6 FTE. Position Summary RAS2 is currently undergoing a transition to structured teams covering research administration, business operations, facilities, programming, and service centers. The RAS2 team supports several discrete research centers, institutes, or comparable entities, including the Material Science Institute (MSI), Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ), and the Institute for Fundamental Science (IFS). This role seeks a strategic, detail‑driven, and highly organized professional to provide comprehensive business coordination in support of the University’s Research Shared Service unit. Serving as a central administrative partner to three research units, the Research Business Coordinator (RBC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operational, financial, and procurement functions across a diverse and dynamic research environment. Operating with a high degree of independence and sound judgment, the RBC coordinates complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation. Responsibilities include evaluating vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing multi‑year service agreements, maintaining critical equipment contracts, and ensuring timely and compliant procurement processes. The position also provides expert guidance to unit purchasers and contributes to the development of purchasing best practices and policy improvements. This role also supports key financial functions by managing billing and invoicing processes, monitoring accounts, and resolving payment issues. It assists with core financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and the preparation of financial reports. The RBC regularly collaborates with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to uphold regulatory compliance and support the unique needs of research operations. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage high‑volume, high‑complexity workflows in a fast‑paced research setting. In addition, the RBC assists with human resource and payroll functions and daily operations of several centers and institutes, including administrative support for tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Finance and Administration. It is based at the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus and requires regular onsite work in accordance with team operating protocols. Remote work may be available on a limited basis following successful completion of training. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration. OR four years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration. Professional Competencies Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures in support of an inclusive work environment. Strong organizational and analytical skills with close attention to detail. Effective communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines and frequent interruptions while maintaining a high level of customer service and professionalism. Proficiency with software programs, including human resources and financial platforms, MS Office Suite, Google Suite, and Adobe. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Finance, Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field. 1+ years of project management experience related to business or finance administration in higher education, research organizations, or a related environment. 1+ years of human resource administration and programs such as MyTrack (PageUp People). 1+ years of experience with A/P and A/R. Experience providing customer service in a professional environment. Experience with BANNER, Concur, QuickBooks, Cognos, or similar financial information systems. FLSA Exempt: No. Benefits The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. EEO Statement UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or leave protected by state or federal law. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr