Research Business Coordinator

Department Summary

The University of Oregon has a long history of advancement and innovation through interdisciplinary research, education, and training. Our highly collaborative culture is supported by our research centers and institutes overseen by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Within our network of centers and institutes, researchers, students, and supporting staff work across disciplines to expand the boundaries of knowledge and develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
Research Administrative Services 2 provides business and research administration services to select centers and institutes in support of the University’s research mission. RAS2 aims to provide high-quality services in the areas of business operations, research administration and grants management, human resources, budget development, finance, payroll, purchasing, contracting, travel, accounts payable/receivable, and programmatic support. Additionally, RAS2 supports affiliated service centers and center/institute-specific programmatic, technical, and infrastructure support personnel.
The units supported by RAS2 constitute a large research enterprise consisting of more than 100 employees, $16M in annual grant expenditures, and $1.5M in annual operating budgets. RAS2 itself is projected to have an estimated 6 FTE.

Position Summary

RAS2 is currently undergoing a transition to structured teams covering research administration, business operations, facilities, programming, and service centers. The RAS2 team supports several discrete research centers, institutes, or comparable entities, including Material Science Institute (MSI), Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science (OMQ) and Institute for Fundamental Science (IFS.) The unit seeks a strategic, detail-driven, and highly organized professional to provide comprehensive business coordination in support of the University’s Research Shared Service unit. Serving as a central administrative partner to three research units, the Research Business Coordinator (RBC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operational, financial, and procurement functions across a diverse and dynamic research environment.

Operating with a high degree of independence and sound judgment, the RBC coordinates complex purchasing and contract administration for scientific supplies, specialized reagents, and advanced instrumentation. Responsibilities include evaluating vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing multi-year service agreements, maintaining critical equipment contracts, and ensuring timely and compliant procurement processes. The position also provides expert guidance to unit purchasers and contributes to the development of purchasing best practices and policy improvements.

This role also supports key functions by managing billing and invoicing processes, monitoring accounts, and resolving payment issues. It assists with core financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, expenditure tracking, grants and contracts management, and the preparation of financial reports.

The RBC regularly collaborates with faculty, research staff, administrative units, Sponsored Projects Services, and Purchasing & Contracting Services to uphold regulatory compliance and support the unique needs of research operations. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage high-volume, high-complexity workflows in a fast-paced research setting.

In addition, the RBC assists with human resource and payroll functions and daily operations of several centers and institutes, including administrative support for tours, conferences, travel, and customer service for external customers.

This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Finance and Administration. It is based at the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus and requires regular onsite work in accordance with team operating protocols. Remote work may be available on a limited basis following successful completion of training.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree PLUS 2 years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration.
OR
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in business, finance, purchasing, or human resources administration.