Sponsored Research Analyst Team Lead

Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director Business Systems and Operations SR, The Sponsored Research (SR) Analyst Team Lead is responsible for the data analysis and reporting needs for Sponsored Research by designing reports and metrics needed for operations and monitoring staff productivity. Manages ongoing needs for enterprise system (CERES, PeopleSoft, and related systems) through needed testing, developing/implementing changes, addressing/handling system issues, and ensuring data quality and integrity in systems. Using system expertise, designs, collaborates on, and implements training activities, as well as handles complex system problem-solving. Coordinates the setup of new sponsors and subcontractors in sponsor systems. In addition, the SR Analyst Team Lead will perform the responsibilities of the Sponsored Research Analyst Sr in a specific area or in multiple areas.

The SR Analyst Team Lead will support the Office for Research mission and values by exhibiting the following: understand empathy, model accountability, ensure fairness, embrace community, and value creativity. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

Enterprise Research System support

• Develops, prioritizes, tests and manages ongoing enterprise system improvements (for CERES, PeopleSoft, and related systems), working closely with the Office of Research's Information Systems, central IT, and the SR management team.
• Anticipates impacts on SR research systems due to changes in external and internal regulations and policies and works to design and implement necessary changes.
• Provides functional support to SR BSO Team help desk, on complex system and service issues.
• Designs methods for data and data process realignment to ensure data quality and integrity in SR systems.
• Advises SR research administrative teams on issues relating to systems and to proposal and award processes.
• Reviews requests processed by other team members for quality and accuracy.
• Develops, maintains, and monitors metrics for SR staff productivity.

Training Activities

• Trains SR analysts on work processes and software applications.
• Provides system input on training materials for new system features for both SR staff and research administration community.

Provides additional support to the SR Senior Analysts by completing any or all of the following:

System Access and Account Services

• Responds to help requests from SR and departmental staff for support with internal systems.
• Recommends and implements changes in operation procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Manages eRA system access and accounts.
• Performs operational tasks related to award establishment and post-award modifications.

Data analysis and reporting

• Designs and produces analytical reports as needed by SR, OR units, and other units throughout the University.
• Participates in the design of new web-based report formats and their distribution.
• Responsible for control and production functions associated with complex data systems.
• Directly manages data in SR's data bases (e.g. support tables).
• Maintains high level of data quality by selectively auditing data for accuracy and by carrying out quality assurance tests.
• Provides productivity reports to Directors with recommended solutions whenever necessary.
• Assesses and modifies current data entry procedures as necessary.

Setup of new sponsor and subcontractor Coordination

• Maintains integrity of data in sponsored project system.
• Performs background research on requested sponsors and subcontractors and screens new entities in Visual Compliance, referring complicated results to SR leadership for final determination or resolution.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 3 years sponsored research experience.
• Proficiency in the use of a grant management system
• Proficiency in use of Cognos, Excel, databases, and other standard software products.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and NIH Commons.
• Ability to acquire technical and functional proficiency with new software applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in business, statistics, computer programming or a related field.
• 3 + years sponsored research experience.
• Strong proficiency in use of Huron Grant Management System (CERES).
• Experience with Tableau and/or Power BI.
• Experience working directly with departmental representatives and end users.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $76,000 to $84,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.