The Research Portfolio Manager (RPM) is responsible for providing comprehensive pre-and post-award support to Principal Investigators (PIs), postdoctoral fellows, and students of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB).

The Research Portfolio Manager (RPM) is responsible for providing comprehensive pre-and post-award support to Principal Investigators (PIs), postdoctoral fellows, and students of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). This position will report to the Assistant Director for Research Administration. This position requires independent judgment and problem solving skills to ensure compliance with sponsor and donor regulations, school and University policies, and department procedures. The RPM provides superior customer service to PIs and their lab members in support of research activities in a high volume, fast paced, and dynamic environment.

Pre-award responsibilities:

• Provide direct support to PIs and their lab members with proposal preparation, including budget development, assembly of supporting documentation and required institutional information.
• Advise and assist Principal Investigator (PI) with sponsor policies and programmatic reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports.
• Shepherd supported proposals through the school and University proposal review and submission process.
• Facilitate award setup with the Office for Sponsored Programs.
• Schedule non-financial reports in the Grants Management Application Suite (GMAS).
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and University, school and sponsor policies.
• Notify PIs of granting opportunities, providing information and application forms as necessary.
• Analyze and report sponsored funding trends.

Post-award responsibilities:

• Manage designated funding (sponsored and non-sponsored funds) for the PIs and their lab members. This includes complex financial management and analysis; compliance with University policy and sponsor's terms and conditions, and reporting.
• Conduct monthly detailed financial analysis of portfolios and provide individual consulting to PIs.
• Strategize with PIs on resource and personnel allocations. Monitor balances, reconcile, perform spending projections, and address ad hoc queries.
• Proactively establish relationships with PIs, Lab Administrators, and lab members; maintain effective communication; and protect confidential information.
• Work closely with the PI and Office for Sponsored Programs, to review new awards, set up budgets, and provide guidance on policy.
• Review and approve financial transactions, such as reimbursements for travel and corporate card payments, PCards, and Buy to Pay.
• Facilitate the effort certification process and advise the PI on related policies.
• Provide guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures.

Implement local procedures, recommend process improvements, and resolve issues related to research funding.