Finance and Research Assistant (Hybrid Opportunity)

School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States

Research

Post Date May 16, 2024

Requisition # 103287

Finance and Research Assistant (Hybrid Opportunity)

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department Description: The Department of Biology is at the center of life sciences research at Stanford. Biology's mission is to lead in understanding life, from molecules to cells, and organisms to ecosystems.

Position Summary: The Department of Biology is seeking a Finance and Research Assistant (Research Administrator 1). This position is responsible for the review, administrative, fiscal accounting, and customer service activities during all stages of the award (both pre- and post-award) made to Biology Principal Investigators for internal and external sponsors. In addition, this person will perform moderately complex finance functions and/or activities. The Finance and Research Assistant must possess and demonstrate a positive outlook on continuous process improvement efforts while maintaining a team-based and customer-focused mindset. It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, effective written & oral communication, strong attention to detail and respectful relationship management. This position must also exhibit a strong desire to continuously learn new and unfamiliar business topics, policies and procedures as they relate to finance/research administration – the ability to translate this information into operational successes will be critical. The Finance and Research Assistant will work under general supervision of the Manager, Research Administration.

This is a 100% FTE, continuing, non-exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES:

· Assist in the preparation of routine proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Coordinate and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; review documents for completeness and compliance.

· Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification

· Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries.

· Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly, including cost-sharing awards if applicable.

· Review and understand the terms and conditions of sponsored projects administered, including linked/footnoted terms and conditions not provided in hard copy or electronic copy.

· Review and approve expenditures; monitor post award spending and commitment activity. Review and certify monthly expenditure statements, and facilitate quarterly review by principal investigators.

· Download and monitor reports supporting project status, and use forecasting and decision aides under guidance.

· Participate in contract closeout process and audit inquiries; submit final reports and certificates.

· Participate in and contribute to process improvements and group projects.

• Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree and one year of job related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to learn and stay updated about university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) to properly administer sponsored projects.

• Demonstrated understanding of terminology, such as compliance, title, sub-contractor, consultant, audit, and accounting review.

• Willingness and ability to understand and interpret university policies and procedures.

• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated expertise in Excel and web-based tools.

• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of basic accounting principles.

• Ability to complete Cardinal Curriculum I and II while in position.

• Extreme attention to detail.

• Ability to work well independently, but also to seek assistance when needed.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

WORKING STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $33.17 to $43.27 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

● Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

● A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

● A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

● Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

● Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants

requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 4475

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: F

• Requisition ID: 103287

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible