Research Project Specialist

Position Overview

The directors of the NIH-funded Chemical Biology training program at the University of Kansas are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented half-time Research Project Specialist. This person will provide support for the functioning of the program. The position requires a high attention to detail, as well as the ability to multi-task in order to effectively meet competing deadlines.

Job Description

50% Program Director Support & Program Management

• Assistance with the preparation of renewal/new applications, including time-intensive tables
• Analyze and interpret the agency's request for proposal (RFP), which includes eligibility requirements, instructions for proposal development and submission, budget requirements for allowable and unallowable costs, cost sharing requirements, and appropriate agency forms
• Analyze and assemble data into NIH-required tables for grant submission, and into plots for strategic planning by directors
• Verify the correct format of data and final consolidation of all required components of each different application
• Collect data from the required institutional offices and departments on student applicant pools
• Obtain additional university approvals from affiliated departments and programs as necessary, including facilitation of written responses related to future negotiations of terms and conditions
• Ensure inclusion and review/approve contents of commitments letters to confirm financial needs and collaboration necessary for successful implementation of the project, including all internal parties.
• Maintenance of trainee pool statistics for each incoming class across all relevant programs
• Collect and maintain confidential student data using FERPA-compliant method
• Confirm and implement all necessary compliance regulations for training programs
• Preparation of annual progress reports, including time-intensive tables
• Requesting and compilation of trainee annual reports, including preparation and distribution of feedback letters
• Tracking former trainee career progress
• Collect data for reports to the NIH as requested by the program directors
• Preparation and implementation of annual nomination processes for new trainees
• Assist in the recruiting and on-boarding of new mentors
• Maintain records about trainee and mentor participation in required events (trainings, symposia)
• Solve unique and time-sensitive problems and interact with directors, agency officials, and university personnel; maintain a high responsiveness

30% Communication and Program Events

• Updating and maintaining program website
• Assist in administration of steering committee, mentors, or student meetings with program directors
• Assist in the planning and implementation of meetings between directors and external advisory board members
• Develop and implement production of brochures and other advertising materials for recruiting purposes
• Assist in preparation for invited seminar speakers (travel, room scheduling, ordering hospitality, reimbursement)
• Assist in administration of annual Chemical Biology Symposium (diverse logistics, travel, room scheduling, ordering hospitality, reimbursement)

10% Trainee Support

• Tracking of current trainee progress
• Interfacing with trainees about use of NIH X-Train, setting up health insurance, guidance for spending of travel and supply funds through use of internal KU systems, etc.
• Assist trainees with internship travel and expense reporting

10% Other

• Organize, prepare for, and attend regular virtual meetings with directors
• Provide organizational support for training certificate associated courses
• Other duties as specified, based on needs

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalency as indicated in the application materials.
• Three years of office experience or three years of post-secondary education as stated in application materials.
• Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with scheduling software (Outlook), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and ability to learn other software as stated in application materials.
• Experience balancing long- and short-term projects that require high levels of attention to detail and organizational skills as evidenced in work history.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail as demonstrated by application materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrative staff, and students in a higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or five years of administrative work experience.
• Experience writing and editing brochures, newsletters, grants or other professional materials.
• Experience with social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
• Demonstrated evidence in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrated experience in a deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience in research, statistics, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to be highly self-directed, detail-oriented with a high attention to accuracy.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills as demonstrated by experience in previous employment, and/or references.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application consists of:

• resume
• cover letter
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Monday December 15 and will continue until a qualified applicant is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Brian Ackley

Advertised Salary Range

starting at $20,000 or commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Monday December 15, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday February 1, 2026

Apply to Job

Posting Information

• Posting ID: 31743BR
• Department: Molecular Biosciences
• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
• Assignment: On-Site
• Reg/Temp: Regular
• Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
• Review Begins: 15-Dec-2025

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