Sponsored Research Business Analyst

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Pre-Award
  • Counsel researchers through the pre-and post-award processes for externally funded research projects.
  • Review solicitations and provide guidance on submission of sponsored research proposals.
  • Develop complex project budgets and other components of applications submitted through various federally managed electronic research administration systems, as well as to private research sponsors.
  • Conduct analysis of faculty effort in accordance with regulatory compliance guidelines.
  • Advocate for the faculty, School, and University during negotiations with external funding sponsors.
  • Collaborate with inter-disciplinary researchers on campus, as well as with other educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations during
  both the application and award execution process.
  • Provide advice and action plans on use of research funding according to federal agency or other sponsor terms or regulations.
• Post-Award
  • Maintain professional relationships with departmental and central campus offices to facilitate effective and efficient business processes and collaborative business operations.
  • Develop internal business systems and specialized reports as needed for sponsored research management.
  • Work with other business staff on certain post-award activities including monitoring of expenses for compliance with sponsor and university guidelines.
  • Assist in maintaining biannual expenditure confirmations.
  • Prepare and distribute biannual expense confirmation reports to faculty and collaborate to identify and resolve any discrepancies.
  • Manage the receivables report for sponsored projects to make certain that billing is on track and sponsor payments are up to date.
  • Manage the expiring and overdraft awards reports to request an extension, clear encumbrances and over drafts, request an anticipation account, and close out awards per sponsored project guidelines.
• Administrative/ Other
  •Participate in continuing education opportunities or relevant professional certifications, including attending meeting and trainings to continue seeking best practices and policy information as it pertains to University, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position 2. Demonstrated professional work experience in sponsored research administration.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience at an institution of higher education or similar setting
Experience in accounting, auditing, or laboratory research in a scientific field.
Experience with federal electronic research administration systems such as NSF FASTLane, Research.gov, NASA NSPIRES and Grants.gov. Illinois Certified Research Administrator designation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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;
• 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 School 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;

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 5/13/2026. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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 Monday, June 29th, 2026. 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 lascollegehiring@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036445
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu