Grants and Contract Coordinator-School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a Grants and Contracts Coordinator. In the School of MCB, we seek answers to fundamental questions about how organisms work and the many implications for life. Through a rich culture of collaboration, we drive new discoveries in human health and empower students with the critical and analytical skills needed for successful careers. We educate students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and our alumni can be found throughout the world as leading healthcare providers, researchers in industry and academia, educators, and more. Meet the MCB community at mcb.illinois.edu

Job Summary

This position is part of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology sponsored research/grants team. This team manages financial and regulatory aspects of sponsored research grants, contracts, and subcontracts for faculty investigators in a nationally recognized top-volume research environment for the Departments of Biochemistry, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology, and Microbiology. Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Business & Administration this position provides leadership and performs activities related to the complete lifecycle of sponsored program administration. Typical activities include the identification of funding sources, proposal drafting and submission, contract negotiation, sub-award issuance, and pre-award and post-award administration of research grants.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Proposals Guide & Submit
  
  • Provide professional support and expertise to faculty and principal investigators in the preparation and submission of routing proposals to various federal and nonfederal sponsors. This includes reviewing and interpreting complex sponsor guidelines and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures for proposal submission and ensuring that all are met. Prepare and review information required for research proposals, including preparation of more complex budgets and assisting faculty in the preparation of proposal documentation following agency requirements. Work with Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) to submit proposals, track research proposal information and assist SPA with grant/contract negotiations.

• General Post Award

• Collaborate with faculty and principal investigators on the management of their funded research projects, programs, and accounts, including the preparation of financial forecasts as necessary. Advise faculty on the financial aspects of hiring personnel and major spending decisions, such as large equipment purchases, as necessary. Consult on the management of personnel budgets and expenditures.

• Complete regular review of accounts to ensure integrity, accuracy, and allowability of transactions in accordance with project budgets, agreement terms, and University, Federal, and sponsor guidelines. Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source.

• Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, constituents, governmental agencies, and management. Research and analyze information and data. Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations.

• Monitor and track the administration of sub-award agreements and payment processing on research projects. Monitor and request anticipation accounts, no-cost and other contract extension modifications. Track and verify program income, PI effort, cost share, and other contractual commitments.

• Serve as liaison to SPA. Address requests related to proposal submission and award negotiations, as necessary. Follow up on pending agreements and ensure that awards are finalized and funded projects accounts are established in a timely manner in support of the research efforts. Coordinate grant account set up, management, budgeting, billing, and closeout activities as necessary. Ensure that completed projects are closed in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms of the award.

• Review and update databases, spreadsheets, and checklists, as necessary. Tasks include entering data, formatting, compiling, reporting, saving, and sharing internal records as appropriate or requested by unit administration. Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, constituents, governmental agencies, and management. Research and analyze information and data. Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations.

• Provide support for department human resource functions by reviewing and approving grant-funded faculty and student appointment requests. Provide support for department purchasing and payables functions by reviewing and pre-approving grant-funded purchase requests and expense reports. This includes monitoring for possible policy and compliance issues.

• Assist unit administration with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and respond to audit findings. Maintain required documents per School and University requirements. Provide support to the Associate Director for Business and Administration in the development, documentation, and implementation of new and/or revised policies and procedures. Update the Activity Reporting System (ARS) as necessary and in accordance with the school’s allocation policy, ensuring cost-sharing obligations are properly reflected and meet the designated obligations. Assume additional appropriate related duties to further the mission of the school.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
Three (3) years of professional work experience in research administration. Demonstrated experience preparing and or submitting grant proposals.

Preferred Qualifications

Work experience at an institution of higher education. Experience with University of Illinois business policies, procedures, and financial systems; Illinois Certified Research Administrator

Successful Candidates Will Have

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in contractual and grant monitoring procedures.
• Knowledge of computers; word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to work effectively with wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in area of expertise.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
• Ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; exercise independent judgment and discretion.

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 application deadline. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 7, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu 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 hr@mcb.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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The University 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/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1033125
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu