Research Administrator, Pre Award with the Office of Sponsored Programs (REMOTE) [R0153457]
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
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- Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.
Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or unlvjobs@unlv.edu.
Job Description
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Research Administrator, Pre Award with the Office of Sponsored Programs (REMOTE) [R0153457]
ROLE of the POSITION
The Research Administrator, Pre Award assists faculty members, principal investigators, and department grant administrators in the development, preparation, and submission of sponsored proposals for research, service projects, and other creative activities. The following are a few responsibilities but not limited to: Prepare, review and submit proposals and ensure proposals are complete, in compliance with university and NSHE/UNLV policies, state and federal laws and regulations, and align with the policies, procedures and requirements of sponsoring agencies. Assist faculty and staff with the development and review of proposal budgets. Submit applications through federal and non-federal online submission platforms to funding agencies including but not limited to NASA, NIH, NSF, DOE, etc. Submit highly complex proposals to an extensive variety of agencies involving one or more of the following situations: multiple departments/units; multiple institutions (subawards); institutional cost-sharing; institutional commitment proposals; training grant applications, etc. Educate and train faculty and staff on all aspects of proposal development and submission. Utilize and become proficient in Cayuse for grant management activities.
Primary Job Duties
Proposal Development & Submission: Provide critical analysis and guidance in the review and interpretation of funding opportunity announcements. Answer inquiries involving an explanation of rules, regulations, and procedures that require knowledge of the individual program and a high degree of problem-solving, and analytical and creative thinking. Responsible for managing a significant volume of proposals. Prepare, review, and educate faculty and staff on detailed proposal budgets. Provide proposal component review on budgets, required templates, standard forms, etc. Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding research administration issues, interpreting PP&Gs and regulations, etc. Educate and Provide Training to Faculty and Staff: Assist in educating faculty, departmental administrators and other staff members in understanding all areas of proposal development and submission including proposal and budget development, and unique sponsor requirements. Educate and train faculty and staff on the use of the Cayuse grants management system. Special Projects and Assignments: Work independently or with others on various projects such as surveys, policy/procedure development, form development, or special reports. Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Maintain Knowledge of Federal Regulations and Sponsor Requirements: Maintain expertise in federal, state and university regulations, policies, and procedures. Regularly review federal sponsor policies and proposal guides and participate in webinars, trainings, and/or conferences to remain current on ever changing regulatory compliance pertaining to grants and research administration.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the functional areas of sponsored program administration (Pre-award through Post-award) and a good general knowledge of the nature of research in all academic disciplines.
General understanding of the nature and requirements of sponsored project contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, requests for proposal or quote.
Understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities.
Possess knowledge of federal procurement regulations, including the CFR & FAR, agency CFR/FAR implementations, and the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 and audit regulations (Single Audit) that pertain to institutions of higher education.
Knowledgeable of sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration
Experience working in grant submission platforms such as ASSIST, Research.gov, Grants.gov, NSPIRES, etc. Experience with Excel and budget development.
Demonstrated customer service focus and an ability to communicate verbally and in writing clearly and effectively, presenting ideas, answering questions and documenting activities.
Strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, ability to manage stress. Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability and capacity to work with a high degree of independence within a fast paced environment that is deadline driven and a multi-tasking operating environment.
Ability to interact and collaborate with multiple constituencies as well as excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to interpret policies and act independently in a highly complex regulatory/legal environment.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background and/or credit check.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and related professional experience, related to research administration within non-profit, higher education, hospital, etc. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date. 2-4 years of experience in job area. Central office operations related to working in a Pre Award office; to include proposal submission, review and interpretation of funding agencies/sponsors.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Research Administrator (CRA), through Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) Previous Cayuse experience
COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES
A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.
SALARY
Salary range is $ 68,000 – $77,000.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV
- Competitive total rewards package including:
- Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
- Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
- Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
- No state income tax
- Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
- Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
PERKS & PROGRAMS
- Employee recognition and appreciation programs
- UNLV athletics ticket discounts
- Statewide employee purchase program discounts
- RebelCard discounts on and off campus
- Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
- Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
- Connect with colleagues with shared interests
- Personal and professional development opportunities
- A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
- Support and resources available for veteran applicants — contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu or visit our Veterans Webpage.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Materials should be addressed to Michele Padilla, Search Committee Chair.
Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on Monday, October 5th, 2026.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Workday. Please note that emailed materials will not be accepted.
Veterans are encouraged to apply. UNLV values the skills of those who have served. Learn more at Veterans Webpage or contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu for support.
For assistance with the application process, please review instructions on How to Apply. For further assistance contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0153457” in the search box.
If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.
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