Sponsored Research Business Analyst - Crop Sciences

Sponsored Research Business Analyst - Crop Sciences
Crop Sciences

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. The Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities as well as state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The University of Illinois also offers outstanding facilities in computing, data science, and genomic analysis as well as many other areas of potential support.

The Crop Sciences Department seeks candidates for a Sponsored Research Business Analyst position. This position is part of a 4-person team, reporting to the Assistant Head, that has responsibility for key business functions. Duties performed will provide critical support for the faculty, staff, and students of Crop Sciences.

Crop Sciences has a legacy of providing effective and efficient client services while creating robust opportunities for promotional growth and development. The successful candidate would participate in a comprehensive onboarding strategy led by professionals in the Crop Sciences Department.

Job SummaryAssist in the administrative offices of Crop Sciences by performing activities related to sponsored program administration, proposals, grants, contracts, and other general financial activities.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Award Management:
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with faculty and principal investigators on the management of their funded research projects, programs and accounts including preparation of financial forecasts, as necessary. Consult on the management of personnel budgets, and expenditures through review and approval of proposed appointments, in the appointment application, and redistributing appointments of principal investigators and research staff in reply to changes in research effort. Prepare statements and reports as requested by faculty and principal investigators.
  • Serve as a liaison to SPA Award Management and assist with grant account set up, management, budgeting, subaward billing, billing and close out activities, as necessary. Ensure that completed projects are closed in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms of the award.
  • Complete regular review of accounts to ensure integrity, accuracy and allowability of transactions in accordance with project budgets, agreement terms, and University, Federal and sponsor guidelines. Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source, including complex corrections and adjustments to sponsor projects. Process and approve labor redistributions and journal vouchers necessary to allocate expenses to proper funds.
  • Assist principal investigators with the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process for sponsored projects and Federal Hatch projects to obtain certifications in a timely manner.
  • Prepare budget requests to SPA to establish explosion funds for co-principal investigators on sponsored projects. Request anticipation funds for awarded sponsored projects and make requests to use expired funds in anticipation of continuation of funding. Work with department personnel to request no cost extensions, budget revisions, and other questions that may arise regarding sponsored program activity.
  
  
  
  
• Pre-Award:
  
  
  
  • Provide assistance and guidance to faculty and principal investigators in the preparation and submission of proposals to various federal and non-federal sponsors. This includes reviewing the sponsor guidelines and regulations as well as University policies and procedures ensuring all requirements are met prior to submission to systems such as: Fastlane, Research.gov, Grants.gov, NIH Assist and other systems. Preparation of the overall proposal Prepackage includes budget and budget justification, uploading documents, collecting sub-award documentation from partnering institutions and entities, reviewing, and making recommendations for changes in the proposals to meet sponsor guidelines.
  • Serve as a liaison to the Sponsored Programs Administration Office (SPA). This includes proposal submission and grant/contract negotiations as necessary, making independent decisions related to the submission process and any necessary changes to ensure a successful submission. Make recommendations for changes to the Principal Investigators based on the review from SPA of submitted proposals.
  • Assist with grant/contract negotiations, as necessary. Follow up pending agreements and work with SPA to ensure they are finalized, and funded project accounts are established in a timely manner in assistance of research efforts.
  
  
  
  
• Operations and General Financial Activities:
  
  
  
  • Assist FACT sheet creation at the end of the fiscal year tracking accrual, deferral, and/or inventory adjustments to self-supporting funds.
  • Review and approve departmental procurement requests (requisitions, purchase orders, standing orders, P-cards, iBuy, etc.) up to $50,000.
  • Review and approve departmental awards and scholarships presented to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students using the DAWS system.
  • Review and approve departmental travel reimbursements, t-card transactions, travel advances, and vendor payments using the Chrome River system.
  
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

University grant management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of guidance and processes involved in contractual and grant monitoring procedures.
• Knowledge of computers; word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Ability to negotiate and persuade; reconcile differences; persuade others to change their minds or behavior.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work effectively with wide range of constituencies, strong relational and communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in area of expertise.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; exercise independent judgment and discretion.

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 12/21/2026. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 19, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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 and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. 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 Pia Sengsavanh, piaseng@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 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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038688

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu