Grants & Contracts Specialist I (Pre & Post-Award)

The Organ Pathobiology and Therapeutics Institute (OPTIn) has an opening for a Grants & Contracts Specialist to assist with pre- and post-award administration duties. The incumbent will perform pre- and post-award accounting duties for small grants and contracts. They will prepare, negotiate, and monitor grants and contracts. They will be assisting with maintaining award-related schedules, preparing government applications and reports, and policy and procedure interpretation. They will also monitor account activity and prepare routine financial documents.

The Organ Pathobiology and Therapeutics Institute (OPTIn), formerly Drug Discovery Institute (DDI), is looking for a research administration specialist to help manage our continuously growing grant portfolio. This individual will be primarily focused on post-award administration while also assisting our senior pre-award specialist with overflow pre-award administrative duties. Please note, OPTIn was just re-branded from DDI at the end of 2024. Through this re-branding initiative, the institute has approximately doubled our faculty, admin footprint, space needs, and research portfolio. That said, this new institute is expected to experience exponential growth over the next several years. Opportunities for internal promotion will be ample for dedicated, thoughtful, and hard-working staff.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or business administration. Experience in similar disciplines, research administration, and/or higher education will be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Job Summary

Performs pre- and post-award accounting duties for small grants and contracts. Prepares, negotiates, and monitors grants and contracts. Assists with maintaining award-related schedules, preparing government applications and reports, and policy and procedure interpretation. Monitors account activity and prepares routine financial documents.

Essential Functions

• Performs pre- and post-award accounting duties for small grants and contracts not limited to preparing and processing invoices, conducting cost analyses, ensuring expenses are paid, and performing collections activities.

• Prepares, negotiates, and monitors grants and contracts; processes amendments, modifications, extensions, and terminations of contracts; arbitrates claims and complaints.

• Assists with maintaining award-related schedules; ensures the complete and accurate collection and distribution of all materials.

• Monitors account activity including expenditures, cost transfers, adjustments, reconciliations, and other related transactions; reports issues to appropriate personnel.

• Ensures accuracy and adherence to budgets, sponsor terms, federal regulations, policies, and procedures; assists with providing policy and procedure interpretation.

• Assists with the preparation of applications and reports to federal and sponsoring agencies; prepares routine financial documentation and memos.

• Maintains grant records and storage; tracks and prepares requested materials.

Physical Effort

Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Must be able to travel between buildings on campus.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disabi ity/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Grants & Contracts Specialist I (Pre & Post-Award)

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Grants & Contracts

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: No experience required

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Cover Letter

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