Pre-Award Research Specialist - Metis Foundation

JOB SUMMARY:

The Metis Foundation is seeking a skilled Pre-Award Research Specialist to play a pivotal role in supporting the Pre-Award Research Manager and research teams in securing funding for innovative projects. This position is responsible for coordinating and overseeing pre-award activities, including the preparation and submission of research grant proposals for principal investigator-led trials and studies. The Pre-Award Research Specialist will assist in developing proposals for federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored grants, ensuring adherence to all guidelines and deadlines. By streamlining the proposal process, this role is crucial to enabling groundbreaking research initiatives across diverse funding streams.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provide high-quality customer service to Principal Investigators and research teams being served.
• Act as a liaison between principal investigators, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries and coordinate communications. Maintain a schedule of due dates for all pre-award activities
• They play a key role in coordinating the grant proposal process, working closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) and research teams to draft, compile, and refine proposals. This involves managing timelines, gathering required documents, and ensuring all components are in place for submission.
• The specialist helps identify potential funding sources by researching and monitoring opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, and industry sponsors that align with the organization's research objectives.
• Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets and provide budget justifications. Obtain vendor quotes for budget justifications as necessary.
• They ensure that all proposals comply with the requirements of the funding agency or sponsor, including formatting, eligibility, and submission deadlines. This involves interpreting complex regulations and ensuring that both the proposal and budget meet sponsor criteria.
• The pre-award specialist often collaborates with internal departments (finance, legal, and contracts) and external partners (sub-awardees, collaborators) to gather necessary documents and approvals for a successful application.
• Engage in outreach activities to foster new collaborations with research partners, sponsors, and institutions, enhancing opportunities for future funding and partnerships.
• Draft, edit, and fact-check documents, including proposal documents, presentations,
• Maintain accuracy of content in unit documents, reports, brochures, social media, and/or websites, ensuring consistency and compliance. Participate in process improvements, contribute to group projects, and provide feedback on team operations.
• Attend weekly team meetings to give updates on pre-award activities such as proposals, contracts, new collaborations, etc.
• Create complex reports and spreadsheets, which may utilize specialized software and systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent flexibility, creative thinking, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Collaborative, positive, and team oriented.
• Experience in maintaining and producing web content, reports, and brochures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and Access.
• Experience with grant writing or other pre-award support activities

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Experience: 0-2 years experience

Physical Capabilities: Long periods of sitting, standing, and carrying light items.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None

Work Environment: Hybrid; possible evening and/or weekend hours.

Compensation: $42,000.00 - $52,000.00 annually

Metis Foundation is an equal 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, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.