Research Services Administrator

Research Services Administrator

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

• Entrepreneurial culture
• Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty
• Ability to work with nationally recognized experts
• Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals
• Premier office and research facilities and equipment
• Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground
• Outstanding research support services
• Hybrid work environment/telecommuting
• Flexible work hours
• Family friendly
• High staff retention rates
• Leadership development and wellness programs
• Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
• Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in the TTI Headquarters building at RELLIS campus. This can be discussed further during the interview process. The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

The Research Services Administrator, under general direction, provides customer support to assigned researchers for proposal preparation and contract administration. This position is responsible for verifying that the proposal package is complete before submitting to the sponsor or to Sponsored Research Services (SRS) for review and submission. The Research Services Administrator is also responsible for assisting with contract negotiations and administering contract and grant awards.

Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance. Essential Duties

• Provides support to researchers in the preparation and submission of unique and complex proposals, which includes determining sponsor requirements and preparation of budgets/forms, according to appropriate guidelines. Prepares proposal revisions and responds to sponsor, SRS, and researcher requests related to proposals. (35%)
• Ensures that proposals are prepared according to the guidelines established by the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), Federal Cost Accounting Standards, and sponsor guidelines. Resolves proposal issues prior to submission. (15%)
• Prepares and reviews contractual documents, including resolving proposal revisions prior to award and negotiating and processing awards and amendments and modifications for assigned researchers. Reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of award documents and contractual agreements with sponsors to ensure compliance with applicable TAMUS policies, Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidelines. (15%)
• Compiles, reviews, and negotiates agreements and/or coordinates with SRS Contract Negotiators and TAMUS Office of General Counsel, Technology Commercialization, and Risk Management to negotiate with sponsors for the rights to technical data and intellectual property, publication rights, prices, payment and billing procedures, titles to equipment, travel regulations, leases, rental agreements, teaming agreements, and institutional contributions. (15%)
• Contacts sponsors for revisions and approvals which includes processing amendments and modifications for budget revisions, compliance issues, change of Principal Investigator, time extensions, additional fund requests, and other issues as necessary for assigned researchers. (15%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Five (5) years' of related experience with proposal development and contract negotiations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of state, local, private, foreign, and federal grant and contract regulations and practical application of current research administration issues. Knowledge of state, local, private, foreign, and federal proposal preparation and budgeting. Ability to understand and apply TAMUS policies and regulations. Proficient in email, word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database applications. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to multi-task, meet hard deadlines, resolve problems, and work cooperatively with others. Ability to carry out tasks independently.

Preferred Qualifications

7-12 years' experience of state, local, private, foreign, and federal proposal preparation, completion of forms, and budgeting and practical application of current research administration issues. 7-12 years' experience of state, local, private, foreign, and federal proposal requirements and grant and contract terms and conditions. 7-12 years' experience with proposal preparation and contract negotiations according to TAMUS policies and regulations. Knowledge of TAMUS policies and regulations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database applications.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.