University of Texas at Dallas

Research Support Lead

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher required; 7+ years in sponsored programs or post-award management.
  • 5-7 years of research administration experience, including 2 years as a Senior Grants Specialist preferred.
  • Experience managing teams and interacting with diverse staff levels is essential.
  • Solid background in accounting and financial analysis, especially with grant budgeting.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage workloads effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and guide Grants and Contracts Specialists to manage their workload.
  • Act as the primary contact for faculty team members on grant-related matters.
  • Provide support with non-financial post-award processes, including contract negotiations.
  • Assist GCS in preparing research grant proposals by offering guidance and resources.
  • Collaborate with research departments to assure compliance and identify process improvements.
  • Stay informed about and communicate relevant federal regulations and institutional policies to staff.
  • Lead special projects as directed by management.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance, fully covered for full-time employees.
  • Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
  • Robust internal training programs available.
  • Pension plan with defined benefits upon retirement.
  • Generous paid time off, including winter break and holidays.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number
S07184P

Position Title
Research Support Lead

Functional Title
Lead Grants and Contracts Support

Department
Sponsored Programs Administration

Salary Range
$83,640 DOQ

Pay Basis
Monthly

Position Status
Regular full-time

Location
Richardson

Position End Date (if temporary)

Posting Open Date
08/07/2026

Posting Close Date
08/13/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Desired Start Date
09/01/2026

Job Summary

The Lead Grants and Contracts Support will manage and supervise Grants and Contracts Specialist (GCS) I, II, and III's, including monitoring and assigning workload and recommending promotions and disciplinary action, in conjunction with the Senior Director. This working manager will serve as the primary resource for GCS I, II, and III's and provide backup proposal submission assistance. The Lead Grants and Contracts Support will communicate with and provide detailed advice and instruction to faculty and staff regarding proposal preparation and administration. This role will also include training GCS in non-financial post-award functions. The Lead will be the main contact for non-financial post-award functions and processing along with negotiating non-monetary agreements and monetary contracts. Timely, quality customer service is mandatory. This position requires appropriate application of knowledge of research administration principles, practices and procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or higher; seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in sponsored programs, post award management, human subject research, or other sponsored program administration support. Or, equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • 5-7 yrs relevant professional experience in research administration, including 2 years experience as a Senior Grants Specialist in a University Sponsored Project office; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5-7 Years experience interacting effectively with all levels of employees, including executive staff, junior and senior scientists, other Office of Research managers, and grants administration officials from external organizations. Preference given to 1+ yrs experience managing and supervising others.
  • 5-7 years experience in and aptitude for accounting and financial analysis, including grant budgeting. Solid working knowledge of budget development.
  • Ability to quickly review completed grant applications for accuracy, completeness and compliance with requirements of University and prospective funding agency.
  • Excellent organizational skills (with the ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of work) and attention to detail. Ability to develop new systems or procedures to resolve problems and facilitate research grant workflow. Demonstrated ability to work independently and
    follow through on assignments with minimal direction.


Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage and supervise Grants and Contracts Specialist (GCS) I, II, and III's on their respective team.
  • Serve as primary contact for team faculty.
  • Primary resource for all non-financial post award assistance; process and negotiate contracts and non-monetary agreements including training internal staff.
  • Provide guidance and serve as backup to GCS I, II, and III's in preparation of research grant proposals.
  • Work with Office of Research and Innovation departments to ensure all policies and procedures are being followed, identify process improvements.
  • Stay up to date and provide guidance and interpretation of federal regulations, agency specific requirements, and University policies and procedures. Notify GCS I, II, and III's regarding changes in rules and regulations.
  • Manage, lead and complete special projects as assigned by management.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

Remote Notice: Hybrid remote work environment available after a 6 month probationary period and with manager's approval. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement is required for hybrid employment. Use of personal computer and other standard office equipment may be required. Must be located within the Dallas Ft. Worth area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice.

Internal candidates may receive priority.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Internal Training
  • BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100% paid for full-time employees
  • PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long and short-term disability
  • TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
  • Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Dental/Vision/AD&D
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Winter Break
  • Fertility Benefits
  • Remote Work Options - approved by department


All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!

About University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university in Richardson, Texas. It is part of the University of Texas System and has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1972. UTD offers over 140 academic programs across its eight schools and hosts over 50 research centers and institutes. Founded in 1969, UTD is the second-largest university in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, with an enrollment of 29,543 as of the 2019?2020 academic year.
Learn more about University of Texas at Dallas
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