The Sponsored Research Business Analyst (SRBA) will work with a team to manage financial and regulatory aspects of sponsored research grants, contracts and subcontracts for faculty investigators in a nationally recognized top-volume research environment for the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, exercising discretion, authority and independent decision-making. The SRBA will be a point of contact for principal investigators and department budget officers to provide guidance and support regarding the entire sponsored project life cycle.

Duties & Responsibilities

Pre-Award:
• Work directly with faculty in Chemistry and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering on proposal submissions, focusing on the interpretation of guidelines, assisting with complex budget and budget justification preparation, and serving as a liaison between the faculty and SPA Pre-Award.
• Work closely with campus units, inter-disciplinary researchers, and business offices at UIUC and other collaborating institutions during both the application and award execution process.
• Work with faculty and staff to facilitate and monitor the processing of anticipated awards and the establishment of sponsored project accounts.
• Work collaboratively with incoming faculty to facilitate sponsored project transfers from other institutions and/or agencies.

Post-Award:
• Manage a post-award portfolio with an average of 60 active grants: includes reconciling monthly balances with BANNER; corresponding with and advocating for faculty throughout the life of the grant on items such as allowable expenses, personnel needs, managing deficits and assisting with close-out; and serving as a liaison between the faculty and SPA Post-Award.
• Assist the Assistant Director of Research Administration with fund management of all research grants.
• Review equipment purchases and travel reimbursements for allowability on grant funds.
• Provide expenditure projections and forecast financial trends for faculty funding portfolios.
• Maintain required documents per University requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and responses to audit findings.
• Review and assist with progress reporting, while monitoring faculty efforts to ensure compliance with policies.

General:
• Research and analyze information and data. Take independent action to solve problems and exercise individual authority based upon the level of knowledge and professional experience.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities or relevant professional certifications, including attending meetings and training to continue seeking best practices and policy information as it pertains to University, state, and federal regulations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a related field.
Two years' of professional experience in a business, university, research or government environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of professional research administration experience.
Illinois Certified Research Administrator certification.
Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize.
Proven effective organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including great attention to detail.
Ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated exceptional professional service skills, including discretion in professional judgment.
Ability to take independent action and exercise individual authority based upon the level of knowledge and professional experience.
Ability to anticipate needs and establish priorities.
Self-motivated with a high degree of personal initiative.
Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Highly developed ability to communicate effectively with others
Proven ability to work in an integrated team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and to represent the School and University in a professional manner.
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Experience in accounting and auditing (including budget building).
Knowledge of sponsored program activity within a complex research environment and knowledge of University business procedures.
Proficient use of the University of Illinois accounting and reporting systems, including BANNER, Priority Software Business Accounting application, EDDIE, my Research Portal, and various agency proposal submission systems.
Willingness to recommend or develop and implement other related systems for sponsored research management as needed.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 - Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial on-site training period, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 10, 2026. To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu, use the Apply Now button on the posting and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), official transcripts for all degrees obtained, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact lascollegehiring@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1034550
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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