Job Title: Senior Research Administration Associate
Division: Ophthalmology
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Location: Hybrid within Greater Houston, TX
Salary Range: $79,092 - $93,049
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SummaryThe Department of Ophthalmology seeks a highly motivated individual to support administrative activities throughout the grant proposal and award lifecycle. The Senior Research Administration Associate provides advanced pre- and post-award research administration support to faculty and departmental leadership. This role independently manages a portfolio of complex research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and regulatory standards. The position also serves as a key liaison among investigators, central offices, and external sponsors.
Employees with CRA certification are eligible for certification pay.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after completing training.
Job DutiesPre-Award Administration
- Prepare and submit grant applications, including non-scientific proposal components, detailed compliant budgets, and required documentation from collaborators and subcontractors
- Enter and route proposals through institutional systems and partner with Sponsored Programs to support timely submission
- Identify funding opportunities and communicate relevant deadlines and requirements to investigators
Post-Award Management
- Oversee financial and administrative management of awarded projects, including monitoring expenditures for allow-ability and budget compliance, managing salary allocations and effort distribution, and preparing progress reports and sponsor deliverables
- Process re-budgeting requests, carryover actions, and award modifications
- Monitor subcontractor performance and compliance • Identify, investigate, and resolve financial or administrative discrepancies
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain required documentation, including bio sketches, other support, and compliance records, in accordance with agency guidelines
- Track and report compliance-related data and proactively address potential issues
Strategic & Advanced Functions
- Contribute to process improvements and standardized research administration workflows
- Support complex initiatives, including multi-PI grants, large program projects, and cross-institutional collaborations
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison among faculty, departmental leadership, and central offices, including the Sponsored Programs Office
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships that support efficient research operations
- Advise investigators on grant processes, policies, and best practices
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional research objectives
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree. Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) may substitute for the degree requirement.
- Four years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Grant management experience in an academic research setting
Work Authorization Requirement:This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Requisition ID: 25538
