Associate Director, Training Grants

Department

BSD ADM - Research Administration

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.
The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):
MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.
VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.
VALUES:
• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.
The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Training Grants administers pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit. They perform broad responsibilities in support of pre-award and/or post-award activities including but not limited to collecting and maintaining trainee data, overseeing NIH training tables, tracking trainee outcomes, and ensuring compliance across BSD graduate and postdoctoral programs. This role advises on training grant proposals, supports active grants, develops standardized processes, and works with functional groups across the BSD. The incumbent works independently to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.

Responsibilities

• Collects and curates divisional trainee data.
• Creates and provides quality control for NIH training tables and data summaries in consultation with program and pre-award teams.
• In partnership with the BSD Dean of Students Office and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, maintains comprehensive data systems to track trainee progress and long-term outcomes across BSD graduate and postdoctoral programs. This includes trainee tracking and publishing outcomes per NIH directives, including annual CNGLS and comparable reporting systems.
• Serves as BSD’s subject matter expert on predoctoral trainee outcomes and represents the Division on relevant University committees and working groups.
• Works closely with functional groups across the BSD to identify opportunities to apply for new awards and to advise potential training grant directors regarding preparation of new proposals.
• Assists in maintaining boiler plate language for T and F awards to meet general requirements for RCR, Rigor and Reproducibility, Data Management, Resources and Facilities, Vertebrate Animal Use, Human Subjects Use, and any additional 'other documents' that may be required.
• Assists in providing oversight and ongoing consultation for active training grants, including progress reports, appointments, reappointments, terminations, trainee tracking, and coordination with departmental and graduate program administrators.
• Assists and plays a key role in ensuring compliance with NIH and other sponsor requirements, including trainee eligibility, RCR training, appointment processes and RPPRs.
• Assists and plays a key role in developing and maintaining divisional policies, procedures, and resources to standardize training grant operations across BSD as appropriate.
• Assists in identifying emerging funding opportunities and advising departments, graduate programs, and institutes on long-term planning for new and renewed training programs.
• Participates in national and regional professional networks to stay current on evolving sponsor expectations, best practices, and benchmarking opportunities.
• Provides specialized support for the research enterprise within a department or unit, including pre- and/ or post-award administration for all sponsored activity. Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.
• Analyzes industry trends and remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Monitors department/ unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience working with training grants or fellowships.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of grant language and outcome reports.
• Expertise in collecting, curating, and quality controlling data.
• Maintain and enhance comprehensive data systems, tracking progress and outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
• Competence in developing, implementing, and maintaining divisional policies and procedures to standardize operations.
• Comfort with relevant data management software and reporting platforms.
• Adapt to new technologies and systems to support trainee tracking and grant operations.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $115,000.00

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

Yes

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.

 

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