Career Center

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Senior Research Development Associate (SRDA) will lead research proposal development and strategic planning for large and complex interdisciplinary environmental research activities that involve faculty from multiple WashU schools and institutes. The SRDA will support the Center for the Environmentâ™s mission of increasing the size and impact of the WashUâ™s environmental research portfolio. The SRDA will work collaboratively with a range of faculty leaders, individual faculty, and the Research Development Office (RDO) to support the development of multiple complex grant proposals and programs by providing the highest level of service possible. As this is a new position, the SRDA will work closely with the faculty leadership team of the Center for the Environment to identify the key priorities in building out the research development services of the Center.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive proposal development services to teams of principal investigators (PIs) pursuing external research funding. The SRDA will primarily focus on development of large-scale (multi-million) interdisciplinary environmental grant proposals and other strategic institutional research programs. Proposal development duties include obtaining competitive intelligence on funding programs, facilitating PI team building and ideation, writing and editing proposal sections, and leading external review of proposals.
• Identify additional campus expertise and resources to support the proposal development process, including cross-campus and external collaborators in areas of scientific expertise, workforce development, outreach and education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, among others.
• Work with government agencies and private sponsors to understand funding strategies and initiatives and to identify needs and synergies with university researchers in areas related to environmental research. Develop and maintain relationships with funding agency personnel on behalf of WashU faculty and leadership. Organize and host workshops, seminars, and events to further cultivate and develop relationships with program officers and sponsors.
• Develop and implement training activities for faculty and students wishing to build skills and knowledge in environmental research and improve grantsmanship for targeted programs.  Produce content for and lead periodic proposal development lectures and workshops.
• Analyze data, create tables and reports, review trends, and make data-driven recommendations that contribute to proposal writing, strategic planning, outreach to federal sponsors and partners, and competitive intelligence for upcoming funding opportunities.
• Assist PIs in the development of the management plan for proposed projects. Develop project strategy and coordination of site visits and follow-up inquiries. Provide comprehensive guidance to faculty and other personnel for the application and a high-impact level of mentorship/expertise to faculty, as well as integrated knowledge in project management science, scientific communication/editing, sponsorsâ™ requirements, and WashU requirements and resources.
• Work with the Center for the Environment and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research to design and administer an internal seed-grant funding program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in an environmental field.
• Five years of experience in research development, preferably in higher education, with experience managing large proposal teams.
• Experience with managing, developing, scientific writing and editing, and reviewing of multi-investigator or multi-institution grant applications.
• Experience with federal grants websites and award databases.
• Experience managing large scientific teams
• Experience analyzing RFAs, RFPs and other funding calls.
• Experience planning events/seminars/workshops for large groups, including development of agendas and active facilitation of such events.
• An open collaborative style that promotes partnerships and the ability to build strong relationships across constituents.
• Ability to work in an organized fashion and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; ability to write precise, well-organized documents.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple requirements.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Five to six years of experience in research development, with experience managing large proposal teams seeking $1M or more.

Grade

G14

Salary Range

$73,700.00 - $125,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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