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Sponsored Research Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary Manage sponsored research grants, contracts, gifts, and faculty start-up funds. Advise Principal Investigators on grant funds management and budget planning, interpret terms of grant ...

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Sponsored Research Officer information

What is a sponsored research officer?

A Sponsored Research Officer is a professional responsible for managing and administering research projects that receive external funding, such as grants or contracts from government agencies, foundations, or industry partners. They help researchers with proposal development, ensure compliance with regulations, oversee budgets, and monitor project progress. Their role is critical in facilitating collaboration between researchers and sponsors, ensuring that all financial and reporting requirements are met throughout the life of the sponsored project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sponsored research officer?

To thrive as a Sponsored Research Officer, you need expertise in grant writing, contract negotiation, and a solid understanding of research compliance, often supported by a degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, grant management systems, and knowledge of federal and institutional regulations are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with researchers and funding bodies are highly valued soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate grant administration, regulatory compliance, and successful support of research initiatives.

What are the primary challenges a sponsored research officer faces when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Sponsored Research Officers often juggle several research projects at once, each with unique compliance, reporting, and funding requirements. Balancing these competing priorities requires strong organizational skills and close attention to deadlines, as well as effective communication with researchers, sponsors, and administrative staff. Staying current with institutional policies and sponsor guidelines is essential to avoid compliance issues. Developing efficient tracking systems and fostering collaborative relationships within the team can greatly help in managing workload and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Sponsored Research Officer vs Research Coordinator?

AspectSponsored Research OfficerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's, often with project management skills
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agenciesUniversities, research centers, nonprofit organizations
Employer & IndustryFunding agencies, academic institutions, research organizationsAcademic institutions, research projects, nonprofits

The Sponsored Research Officer primarily manages and oversees sponsored research projects, ensuring compliance and reporting. The Research Coordinator supports research activities, manages logistics, and assists with project implementation. While both roles require research knowledge, the Sponsored Research Officer focuses more on funding and compliance, whereas the Research Coordinator handles day-to-day research operations.

What cities are hiring for Sponsored Research Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Sponsored Research Officer job openings:

What states have the most Sponsored Research Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sponsored Research Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sponsored Research Officer jobs?

For Sponsored Research Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sponsored Research Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Associate Sponsored Research Officer - Pre-Award

Evanston, IL • On-site

$9/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/9
Job Summary:
As a staff member of Northwestern Sponsored Research (SR), the Associate Sponsored Research Officer is an integral part of the institutional infrastructure that supports an innovative research ecosystem for ten schools and colleges, all centers and departments across three campuses (Chicago and Evanston, Illinois and Doha, Qatar) at Northwestern University, a distinguished AAU institution.
Reviews and ensures accurate and timely submission of University-wide sponsored research grant proposals for standard and routine activity and for more complex submissions, such as large center grants. Manages a larger, or more complex, constituency with a moderate degree of complexity in comparison to higher-level positions.
The Associate Sponsored Research Officer will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.
*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Oversees and ensures accurate and timely submission and provides oversight for university-wide research grant proposals such as multi-school, multi-institutional proposals such as center grants, and other complex submissions.
  • Serves as a trainer of sponsored research. Represents Sponsored Research (SR) in meetings in conjunction with more senior SR staff. Assumes full level of contact with faculty. Handles complex issues with sponsors.
  • Works through more complex compliance issues such as cost share and export controls and serves as a resource to more junior staff in this regard. Determines that all University & sponsor requirements have been met prior to the University's endorsement & submission of proposals and acceptance of awards.
Miscellaneous
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)
  • BA or equivalent in education, experience &/or training.
  • A minimum of 3 yrs experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government or at some other entity engaged in sponsored research.
  • Intermediate level of knowledge of:
    • Federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance and RTC terms and conditions
    • Other major federal funding agency guidelines
    • Major sponsor electronic systems such as Grants.gov, Commons, & Research.gov
    • U.S. Patent Law, the Bayh-Dole Act and Federal Acquisition Regulations & related supplements
Target hiring range for this position will be between $79,000-$86,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances, whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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