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Position Information

Posting NumberSRGV8637

Working TitleRESEARCH SERVICES ASSOCIATE/RESEARCH SERVICES COORDINATOR/SENIOR RESEARCH SERVICES COORDINATOR (Open Rank)

Number of Vacancies1

LocationMcAllen, Texas

DepartmentSponsored Programs

FTE

FLSAExempt

Scope of Job

The Research Services Coordinator (Open Rank) plans, coordinates, and processes grant applications from concept to submission, collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and compliant with institutional and sponsor requirements. This position interprets sponsor guidelines, develops budgets and justifications, and ensures alignment with all applicable federal, state, and university regulations. Serving as a primary point of contact between investigators and central research administration offices during the submission process, the Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing the University’s research enterprise, supporting faculty success, and maintaining compliance and consistency throughout every phase of the proposal and award lifecycle.

Description of Duties

At all levels (core duties):

+ Support faculty and staff in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals via institutional systems (e.g., ARGO , Grants.gov, Research.gov).

+ Review proposals for compliance with agency and university guidelines.

+ Assist in preparing budgets, justifications, and supporting documentation.

+ Route proposals for institutional review and authorization as required.

+ Communicate and coordinate with sponsors, subrecipients, and internal offices (finance, compliance, etc.).

+ Maintain accurate and timely records of submissions and awards.

+ Participate in research administration training, workshops, and professional development activities.

+ Promote a customer service–oriented approach aligned with the Division of Research “Pathway to Yes” philosophy.

+ Ensures internal compliance and timely submission of proposals and reports.

Rank-Specific Expectations

Research Services Associate (Entry-Level):

+ Works under supervision and learns standard research administration processes.

+ Reviews and routes proposals and assists senior staff with complex submissions.

+ Develops and displays foundational knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and sponsor regulations.

Research Services Coordinator (Intermediate-Level):

+ Independently manages a portfolio of proposals and awards for assigned departments or colleges.

+ Serves as a resource to faculty and departmental staff for interpreting sponsor guidelines.

+ Provides mentorship to entry-level coordinators and student assistants.

Senior Research Services Coordinator (Advanced-Level):

+ Oversees complex, multidisciplinary, or high-value proposal submissions and awards.

+ Provides strategic guidance to colleges on funding trends, internal process improvement, and compliance alignment.

+ Serves as a subject matter expert in one or more functional areas (e.g., NIH , NSF , CPRIT , contracts, cost share, etc.).

+ May lead special projects or serve on university committees related to research administration.

+ Recommends improvements to proposal workflows, templates, or guidance materials.

+ Works under minimal supervision and trains and mentors junior staff; provides feedback on process improvement and policy development.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of all assigned staff.

Required Education

+ Research Services Associate: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or relevant experience.

+ Research Services Coordinator: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, plus three (2) years of research administration or equivalent experience.

+ Senior Research Services Coordinator: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, plus five (4) years of progressive research administration experience; master’s degree preferred.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree from an accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Required Experience

Research Services Associate:

+ None

Research Services Coordinator:

+ Two (2) years of relevant experience, such as processing/reviewing contracts and agreements, budgets and financial analysis, writing or editing grant/proposal/contract documents; or government, non-profit administration experience or

+ One (1) year of specific experience in the administration, preparation, and processing of research grant proposals and/or awards.

Senior Research Services Coordinator:

+ Four (4) years of relevant experience, such as grant management, processing contracts and agreements, budgets and financial analysis or writing/editing research or grant management documentation or

+ Two (2) years of specific experience in the preparation and processing of research grant proposals and/or awards and in their administration with a Master’s degree.

Preferred Experience

+ CRA (Certified Research Administrator) or equivalent credential.

+ Experience using research administration systems ( ARGO , PeopleSoft, Cayuse, Research.gov, Excel).

+ Familiarity with sponsor systems (Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST , NSF Research.gov, CPRIT ).

+ Experience working in higher education or research-intensive environments.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Position may require extended hours during proposal deadlines. Hybrid work options available consistent with institutional policy. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment and can be performed remotely within close proximity to a UTRGV campus. If the work is performed remotely, high-speed internet and a designated workspace are required. Occasional travel for professional development or sponsor meetings. Some travel and weekend work is required.

Other

+ Strong understanding of federal and state research compliance requirements.

+ Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

+ Ability to communicate complex regulatory information clearly to non-technical audiences.

+ Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven research environment.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and online proposal platforms.

Physical Capabilities

NA

Employment CategoryFull-Time

Minimum SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Posted SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Position Available Date11/05/2025

Grant Funded PositionNo

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or [email protected].

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .

Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/49269

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

+ * Are you a current UTRGV employee?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?

+ Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ * Please select your highest level of completed education.

+ 6th grade education

+ 10th grade education

+ High School Diploma or GED

+ Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours

+ Bachelors Degree from an accredited university

+ Masters Degree from an accredited university

+ Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university

+ None of the above

+ * Please provide the field of study for your education:

(Open Ended Question)

+ * Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year

+ 2 years

+ 3 years

+ 4 years

+ 5 years

+ 6 years

+ 7 years

+ 8 years

+ 9 years

+ 10 years

+ Over 10 years

+ * Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?

+ Yes

+ No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

Optional Documents

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Unofficial Transcripts

+ Reference Letter 1

+ Reference Letter 2

+ Reference Letter 3

+ Certifications and Licenses

+ Training Certificates

+ Other Document

+ List of 3 References

+ Unofficial Transcripts 2

+ Unofficial Transcripts 3

+ Letter of Interest

+ Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

+ Additional Document