Research Project Specialist at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewThe directors of the NIH-funded Chemical Biology training program at the University of Kansas are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented half-time Research Project Specialist. This person will provide support for the functioning of the program. The position requires a high attention to detail, as well as the ability to multi-task in order to effectively meet competing deadlines.Job Description50% Program Director Support & Program ManagementAssistance with the preparation of renewal/new applications, including time-intensive tablesAnalyze and interpret the agency’s request for proposal (RFP), which includes eligibility requirements, instructions for proposal development and submission, budget requirements for allowable and unallowable costs, cost sharing requirements, and appropriate agency formsAnalyze and assemble data into NIH-required tables for grant submission, and into plots for strategic planning by directors Verify the correct format of data and final consolidation of all required components of each different applicationCollect data from the required institutional offices and departments on student applicant poolsObtain additional university approvals from affiliated departments and programs as necessary, including facilitation of written responses related to future negotiations of terms and conditionsEnsure inclusion and review/approve contents of commitments letters to confirm financial needs and collaboration necessary for successful implementation of the project, including all internal parties.Maintenance of trainee pool statistics for each incoming class across all relevant programsCollect and maintain confidential student data using FERPA-compliant methodConfirm and implement all necessary compliance regulations for training programsPreparation of annual progress reports, including time-intensive tablesRequesting and compilation of trainee annual reports, including preparation and distribution of feedback lettersTracking former trainee career progressCollect data for reports to the NIH as requested by the program directorsPreparation and implementation of annual nomination processes for new traineesAssist in the recruiting and on-boarding of new mentorsMaintain records about trainee and mentor participation in required events (trainings, symposia)Solve unique and time-sensitive problems and interact with directors, agency officials, and university personnel; maintain a high responsiveness30% Communication and Program EventsUpdating and maintaining program websiteAssist in administration of steering committee, mentors, or student meetings with program directorsAssist in the planning and implementation of meetings between directors and external advisory board membersDevelop and implement production of brochures and other advertising materials for recruiting purposesAssist in preparation for invited seminar speakers (travel, room scheduling, ordering hospitality, reimbursement)Assist in administration of annual Chemical Biology Symposium (diverse logistics, travel, room scheduling, ordering hospitality, reimbursement)10% Trainee SupportTracking of current trainee progressInterfacing with trainees about use of NIH X-Train, setting up health insurance, guidance for spending of travel and supply funds through use of internal KU systems, etc.Assist trainees with internship travel and expense reporting10% OtherOrganize, prepare for, and attend regular virtual meetings with directorsProvide organizational support for training certificate associated coursesOther duties as specified, based on needsRequired QualificationsHigh School diploma or GED equivalency as indicated in the application materials.Three years of office experience or three years of post-secondary education as stated in application materials.Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with scheduling software (Outlook), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and ability to learn other software as stated in application materials.Experience balancing long- and short-term projects that require high levels of attention to detail and organizational skills as evidenced in work history.Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail as demonstrated by application materials.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrative staff, and students in a higher education environment.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree and/or five years of administrative work experience.Experience writing and editing brochures, newsletters, grants or other professional materials.Experience with social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.Demonstrated evidence in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. Demonstrated experience in a deadline-driven environment.Demonstrated experience in research, statistics, and evaluation.Demonstrated ability to be highly self-directed, detail-oriented with a high attention to accuracy.Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills as demonstrated by experience in previous employment, and/or references.Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application consists of:resumecover letterlist of three professional referencesApplication review begins Monday December 15 and will continue until a qualified applicant is identified. Contact Information to ApplicantsBrian [email protected] Salary Rangestarting at $20,000 or commensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday December 15, 2025Anticipated Start DateSunday February 1, 2026Apply to Job