Senior Research Solutions Architect
University of Chicago
Department
Provost URA: Research Finance
About the Department
Job Summary
The job leads cross functional teams in the development of new and existing systems. Solves complex problems and anticipates evolving business requirements to identify, design, and implement appropriate process improvements, systems alternatives, and/or enhancements to current systems.
Responsibilities
Architect and implement technical solutions by developing an understanding of research related business functions and challenges, translating complex requirements into effective designs that align with enterprise strategy and standards.
Propose optimal business processes and implementation plans that prioritize cost-effectiveness, performance, scalability, reuse, security, and operational efficiency.
Oversee the full lifecycle of solution implementation projects, providing technical leadership and mentorship.
Serve as a subject matter expert for University Sponsored Projects (USP) in Oracle Project Portfolio Management (PPM).
Develop a monitoring system to manage USP transactions and budgets in PPM and coordinate University units to regularly resolve transaction issues in advance of period close.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, business stakeholders, and vendors to manage expectations and ensure alignment with enterprise policies and standards.
Analyze existing business processes to identify and recommend improvements based on industry trends and professional knowledge.
Provide transactional leadership and functional support as required including: proactive review or unprocessed costs; accounting exception errors throughout the open period; monitor USP budgets across units and report on overspending and other issues; and GL reconciliation.
Lead Project Managers in the divisions/departments to process corrections (Ex. Project extensions, cost corrections).
Serve as a liaison between business users and IT teams, ensuring clear communication and understanding of requirements and solutions.
Create and maintain clear documentation to successfully communicate proposed solutions to all stakeholders.
Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training sessions for end-users to ensure optimal utilization of Oracle PPM functionalities.
Participate in system upgrades, testing, and deployment activities, including writing and executing test scripts and implement configuration changes as required.
Collaborate with stakeholders to develop workplan, gather requirements and test report builds.
Enhance training and operational procedures to drive increased efficiency and productivity.
Manage stakeholder expectations by effectively communicating complex technical concepts and addressing concerns
Coordinate between the Office of the Provost and Unit financial managers to build a comprehensive understanding of the University's portfolio.
Utilizes expertise and a thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements to translate business and user needs into system requirement specifications.
Communicates and presents on system enhancements and/or alternatives to colleagues in IT management.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.
Advanced degree strongly preferred.
Experience:
Prior experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic environment.
Participation interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Strong understanding of research administration, project accounting, billing, budgeting, and resource management processes.
Experience in requirements gathering, business process mapping, gap analysis, and solution design.
Proficiency with Oracle PPM suite and related modules.
Proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, and Workday.
Oracle Cloud certification or relevant training.
Ability to anticipate needs, problems and potential issues and use judgment, foresight and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot, recommend and implement solutions.
Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).
Preferred Competencies
Independence: Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision. Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members. Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.
Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration.
Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately. Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment. Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.
Judgment and Project Management: Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.
Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Stay current with technology and digital tools. Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.
Working Conditions
Sit for 4 hours or more.
Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.
Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.
Travel to various on-campus locations when required.
Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
Reference Contact Information (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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