Senior Analyst, Post-Award Support

DepartmentBSD ADM - Post AwardAbout the DepartmentThe University of Chicago is an intellectual community and a globally renowned research institution dedicated to fostering innovative and impactful research in various domains, including the Biological Sciences. The Biological Sciences Division is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and the Research Administration Office plays a pivotal role in supporting and facilitating the faculty who conduct research.Job SummaryThe job uses specialized knowledge and breadth of expertise within the University leading to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.The Senior Analyst, Post-Award Support provides advanced financial and administrative analysis of sponsored research awards. This role ensures compliance with federal, sponsor, and institutional policies while supporting principal investigators (PIs) and departmental administrators in the effective financial stewardship of research funds.Reporting to the Director of Post Award, the Senior Analyst serves as a subject matter expert in post-award administration, analyzing financial data, monitoring sponsored awards and internal funding activities across the biological sciences division.ResponsibilitiesPayroll Costing and Allocation AnalysisAnalyze and manage payroll costing allocations charged to sponsored research accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with sponsor requirements.Review salary distributions for faculty, staff, and trainees to confirm alignment with effort commitments, approved budgets, and project timelines.Identify discrepancies in payroll allocations and work with departments to implement timely corrections or adjustments.Provide guidance on appropriate salary charging practices, effort commitments, and payroll allocation strategies for sponsored projects.Monitor payroll projections to ensure sufficient funding remains available to support personnel commitments through the life of the award.Ad-hoc Sponsored Project Financial ManagementManage the financial oversight of a portfolio of sponsored research awards from federal, foundation, and industry sponsors.Monitor project expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets, sponsor terms, and institutional policies.Prepare detailed financial analyses, forecasts, and projections to support responsible award management.Review transactions including payroll distributions, cost transfers, procurement charges, and subaward activity.Compliance and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with sponsor guidelines, federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), and institutional policies.Identify potential compliance risks and work proactively with faculty and departments to resolve issues.Review effort reporting, cost sharing commitments, and allowability of expenses.Support audit preparation and respond to sponsor or internal audit requests.Reporting and AnalysisPrepare financial reports for principal investigators, departments, and central administration.Analyze award spending trends and provide recommendations to ensure funds are utilized appropriately within project timelines.Assist with closeout preparation including final financial reviews and reconciliation.Systems and Process ImprovementUtilize institutional financial systems (e.g., enterprise financial platforms, research administration systems) to track award activity.Develop and maintain reporting tools and dashboards to improve financial visibility.Identify opportunities to improve post-award processes, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.Mentorship and LeadershipProvide guidance and training to junior analysts and departmental administrators.Contribute to the development of best practices and standard operating procedures for post-award management.Solves complex problems in support for the research enterprise within a department or unit, including pre- and/ or post-award administration for all sponsored activity. Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.Recommends service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.Monitors industry trends and remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Monitors department/ unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:---Preferred QualificationsEducation:Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or related field strongly preferred.Master’s degree in business, public administration, or related field, strongly preferred.Experience:Experience working in higher education research administration.Familiarity with enterprise financial systems such as Oracle Cloud and Workday.Professional certification such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA).Preferred CompetenciesFinancial analysis and data interpretation.Payroll costing and effort compliance oversight.Regulatory compliance and policy interpretation.Communication and stakeholder partnership.Problem solving and critical thinking.Process improvement and operational efficiency.Working ConditionsRemote work environment.Applicant DocumentsResume (required)Cover Letter (preferred)The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job FamilyFinancial ManagementR