University of Connecticut Hiring for Research Development Associate or Specialist- Open Rank (Grants and Contracts Associate or Gran at Storrs Campus Full Time

Search #: 497854
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Grants and Contracts

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking to hire grant proposal development professionals with scientific and technical writing skills, knowledge of or experience with project management practices, and strong interpersonal skills to support proposal development efforts. Appointments are available as Research Development Associate (Grants and Contracts Associate) or Research Development Specialist (Grants and Contracts Specialist) depending on the qualifications of the successful applicant.

The Research Development Associate will provide substantive project coordination and grant writing/editing support to faculty seeking external funding, with an emphasis on federally sponsored projects/grants, and will assist the team with other research development activities as needed. The Research Development Specialist will provide substantive project coordination and grant writing/editing support to faculty seeking external funding, with an emphasis on federally sponsored projects/grants, and will also serve as an advanced subject matter expert or program coordinator in an area of need related to research development. Current potential areas of interest include grant writing training and development, proposal development for foundation or industry partners, formal project management (PMP), or economic and community development proposals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist researchers/principal investigators in interpreting grant solicitations, evaluating the appropriateness of projects for particular opportunities, identifying necessary proposal components, developing project timelines, and managing the proposal preparation from concept to submission, ensuring that internal and external deadlines are met.
• In close collaboration with researchers/principal investigators, develop, write, and provide comprehensive editorial review of research proposals. This may include drafting non-scientific/scholarly sections as well as providing significant input into the content, organization, wording, and tone of the full document. May provide assistance with formatting and editing of figures and other graphical elements.
• Facilitate communication/collaboration among team members and provide document management support, assisting with updates across the application as the science and research aims change and ensuring that team members have access to up-to-date materials.
• Coordinate with individuals at various levels and offices throughout the University to guide projects through the development and submission stages. Ensure successful integration of all grant components and compliance with all funding solicitation and sponsor requirements. Collaborate with other proposal development staff, department/college fiscal and administrative staff, and staff in Sponsored Programs Services.
• Proofread/edit written copy prior to submission, ensuring readability, typographical/grammatical correctness, appropriate formatting, and completeness.
• Participate in meetings or discovery activities to inform assignments; keep informed regarding relevant topics and initiatives, particularly topics related to grant writing and sponsor expectations/guidelines.
• May assist the OVPR with other research development activities in support of the University’s research goals and objectives, including but not limited to:
• Identifying funding opportunities of interest to UConn/UConn Health faculty.
• Developing/maintaining proposal template materials and other resources.
• Facilitating collaboration between faculty members.
• Serving as a liaison between the OVPR and other groups and units within the University.
• Supporting large and complex proposal development efforts.
• Contributing to faculty grant writing workshops/trainings.
• Serving as a subject matter resource on topics related to proposals and grant seeking.

Additional duties for candidates appointed as Research Development Specialist (Grants and Contracts Specialist)

• Serve as an advanced subject matter expert in one of the following areas: grant writing training and development, proposal development for foundation or industry partners, formal project management (PMP), or economic or community development proposals.
• Consult on proposals or projects related to highlighted areas of expertise; may serve as project lead, as needed.
• Coordinate programs or special trainings related to highlighted areas of expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

For Appointment as Research Development Associate (Grants and Contracts Associate)

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant writing-focused or scientific field with at least three years of experience writing and editing scientific, technical, research proposals or articles; or a combination of education and experience.
2. Strong technical/scientific writing skills, as demonstrated by writing samples.
3. Ability to work flexibly, productively, and collegially with the writing of others.
4. Experience providing project management support in a team context or successfully managing complex projects.
5. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and a strong collaborative approach.
6. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for Appointment as Research Development Specialist (Grants and Contracts Specialist)

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant writing-focused or scientific field with at least four years of experience writing and editing scientific, technical, and research proposals or articles. At least one year of experience must be in one of the following areas: grant writing training and development, proposal development for foundation or industry partners, formal project management (PMP), or economic and community development proposals. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

For Appointment as Research Development Associate (Grants and Contracts Associate)

1. Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Academic or work experience in a life, social, physical science, or engineering field.
3. Experience developing successful grant proposals for federal sponsors in an academic context.
4. Expertise in grant writing best practices and competitiveness strategies.
5. Advanced organizational ability with a record of successfully managing/coordinating multiple complex programs or processes.
6. Advanced administrative abilities, including time and deadline management, prioritizing responsibilities, attending to details, taking initiative, and working independently to carry out challenging assignments.

For Appointment as Research Development Specialist (Grants and Contracts Specialist)

1. Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Credential in the area of special expertise, if applicable (PMP certification, certification in training, etc.)
3. Academic or work experience in a life, social, physical science, or engineering field.
4. Experience developing successful grant proposals for federal sponsors in an academic context.
5. Expertise in grant writing best practices and competitiveness strategies.
6. Advanced organizational ability with a record of successfully managing/coordinating multiple complex programs or processes.
7. Advanced administrative abilities, including time and deadline management, prioritizing responsibilities, attending to details, taking initiative, and working independently to carry out challenging assignments.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position, with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut (outlined here: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-summaries/). The hiring range for the Research Development Associate (Grants and Contracts Associate) is $56,102 to $72,933. The hiring range for the Research Development Specialist (Grants and Contracts Specialist) is $62,8340 to $81,685. Job title and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Hybrid work modalities may be considered in accordance with the University’s Alternate Work Arrangements policy and authorization. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497854 to upload a resume, cover letter (the letter should address the applicant’s interest in the position and how their professional experience and training prepares them for it), writing samples showing advanced technical or scientific writing skills, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications that do not include all these elements will not be considered.

Inquiries may be addressed to Laurie Pudlo, Administrative Manager, at [email protected].

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 29, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Sep 15 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 29 2023 Eastern Daylight Time