Director Of Research

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoy outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The University of Washington School of Pharmacy is ranked nationally in the top schools of Pharmacy. At the School of Pharmacy, we are committed to educating the next generation of leaders in pharmacy, pharmaceutical research and health care - while seeking to ensure the safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines.

At the School of Pharmacy, respect, integrity, diversity, and community are at the heart of our enterprise. The School of Pharmacy's Office of the Dean has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Research.

The Director of Research is a leadership position reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and holds primary responsibility for operationalization of research administration policies throughout SOP. The Director works independently of the Associate Dean in addressing a variety of university, federal, and funder requirements, and contributes to the planning and implementation of new initiatives to strengthen the SOP research infrastructure. The Director works collaboratively within and beyond SOP to facilitate outstanding support for SOP's research enterprise, with a focus on systems and initiatives impacting research administration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Operational Management (60%):

Assess, propose, and assist in implementing an organizational structure and workflow for the research administration program of the SOP that further strengthens the research enterprise and culture.

Oversee implementation of best practices and new requirements for grants and contracts and disseminate information to faculty and staff.

Serve as a content expert and resource for faculty and staff regarding grant and contract proposals, post-award management and compliance. Including but not limited to interpreting funding opportunity announcements (FOA's, RFP's, RFA's, etc.) and funder requirements, as well as orienting and training personnel on requirements.

Identify new research opportunities, sources of funding (public and private) and advice on policies and processes for specific FOAs.

Conduct Dean's Office review all application components for compliance and submit final applications as requested. Conduct a quality control review of proposals as requested.

Lead Organizational Development of the School's Research Administration Infrastructure (15%)

Lead and train research administration staff in best practices and process improvement efforts for the pre- and post-award grant management process. Develop and/or adapt training materials for SOP grants management staff and onboard new grants management personnel.

Work directly with PI's and staff on large-complex grants (U19, T32, consortium grants, etc.), that may include preparing complex budgets, graphs, figures, and other administrative sections of proposals for grants and contracts based on knowledge of sponsor requirements and program objectives.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations, Policies and Laws (10%):

Provide oversight for compliance of research infrastructure with UW policies and state and federal laws and regulations. Work closely with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration to ensure a culture of compliance.

Support, train, and advise researchers and grant management staff on regulatory standards, compliance and risk management best practices, industry and form changes, adherence to regulatory requirements for human subjects research, clinical trial research and research involving vertebrate animals or controlled/select agents.

Building and Maintaining Strategic Relationships (5%):

Represent the School at meetings for grants managers and liaise with UW units, including Office of Research, Human Subjects Division, Office of Sponsored Programs, Grants and Contracts Accounting and CoMotion.

Work with the departments and the Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration on review and execution of memorandums of understanding (MOU), material transfer agreements (MTA), and other related types of agreements.

Research Support Core Activities (5%):

Develop and collaborate with other staff on the development of quality assurance systems to identify trends/opportunities for improvement in departmental processes, tools, procedures, and communication to further enhance the service provided to PIs.

Collaborate and work closely with other grants and fiscal staff members to provide training and back-up when needed.

Analysis and Reporting (5%):

Maintain a common filing system for all pre- and post-award grant management.

Develop systems and tools to provide regular updates to faculty and department administrators regarding changes in federal and university research directives, as well as changes to school and departmental procedures

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business, public management, or related degree

Six years work experience in an academic or public sector agency with an emphasis on pre- and post-award contract management, budget, operational and fiscal management of research administration or equivalent education/experience

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired Qulifications

Working knowledge of UW policies and procedures, particularly related to grant processing, and experience working with staff from UW operational offices (e.g., OSP, GCA, ISC, etc.).

Experience with UW systems and databases, specifically SAGE and Workday.

Leadership experience.

Degree in accounting, business, or related field.

Must be excited to work in a diverse, dynamic, challenging environment and be invigorated by innovation.

Ability to accurately analyze complex financial and accounting data and communicate clearly to faculty and staff

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.

These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.