Research Support Specialist - Grants & Finance (Remote Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About Research & Engagement

The UMass Amherst community engages more than 31,000 students, 1,400 faculty, and 5,000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs, research, and public service. More than 800 faculty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied that are sponsored by federal, state, and private sources with expenditures of more than $240 million in 2023.

Job Summary

The Research Support Specialist - Grants & Finance serves as a critical resource within the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement (VCRE) Office, with specialized expertise in research accounting, budgeting, and procurement. The Research Support Specialist supports the financial and operational needs of large-scale research awards and addresses complex issues related to award support across the University.

Essential Functions

Anticipation and Support for New Large-Scale Awards

• Collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs), research administrators, and support staff to prepare for the financial and administrative demands of newly awarded, large-scale research projects.
• Provides preemptive guidance on budgeting, financial planning, and procurement strategies to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
• Acts as a liaison between the VCRE office and campus stakeholders to facilitate efficient set-up and early-stage management of major awards.
• Develops forecasting tools and resource allocation plans to anticipate financial needs and potential challenges for large-scale research projects.

Incident Management and Resolution

Expert Consultation and Support

Compliance and Reporting

Other Functions

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Salary Level 27

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.