Research Support Specialist - Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking applicants who are eager to support grant and research administration in our department. This Research Support Specialist position will be on campus and will work closely with Research Support Manager to ensure high-quality grant submissions and post-award reporting. This position will focus on pre-and-post award activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Grant Exploration and Development:

• Work with Research Manager to evaluate funding opportunities, prepare and review proposals to ensure completeness; route proposals.
• Assist with grant submission budget development and budget justifications.

Post-Award Administration/Financial Responsibility:

• Prepare and maintain monthly budget projections, reconcile accounts and prepare financial reports.
• Work with the Research Manager to prepare Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) in the NIH eRA Commons system.
• Process requests for subawards on grants, prepare required documents; monitor subaward invoices.
• May initiate and/or approve routine financial transactions.

Operational/Administrative Support:

• Prepare UIRIS routing forms for grant applications, renewals, and resubmissions, as well as for contracts and material transfer agreements.
• Perform other administrative support tasks in support of the research (e.g., respond to inquiries, data collection, analysis and management; prepare agendas, etc.).

External Communication and Negotiations:

• Compile information for new funding award announcements and work with Microbiology Administrative staff to develop social media communications
• Coordinate information between staff, PI’s, Sponsoring Agencies, the Division of Sponsored Programs and Grant Accounting.

Leadership/Supervision:

• Provide training and assistance to faculty and staff for various financial reports, systems, and tools.

Percent of Time: 6 0 – 100% (based on candidate preference)
Staff Type: Professional & Scientific
Pay Grade: 4A -https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to three years of grant related experience.
• Familiarity with budgets and budget preparation in an administrative role.
• Experience with Cayuse, eRA Commons, Proposal Central, and Research.gov applications.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Demonstrated experience with Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated experience working in a dynamic and fast paced environment under deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Pre-award grant application experience is highly desirable.
• Basic understanding of post-award grant accounting.
• Experience with NIH training and fellowship grants.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures and regulations.
• Experience developing and managing grant budgets, including interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines and cost principles.
• Experience working with the University of Iowa grant and financial systems.
• Experience working with federal grants

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume or CV (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

to learn more about this position contact anne-phillips@uiowa.edu.

Primary Location

Iowa City

Job

Administrative/Professional

Organization

Healthcare

Schedule

Regular

Full-time

Job Posting

Sep 23, 2026, 4:05:41 PM