DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine consists of research laboratories in the fields of cell and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, marine natural products, microbiology, and physiology of marine organisms. Cell and developmental biology: algal biofuels, biochemistry of fertilization and embryogenesis of sea urchins, developmental genetics of amphioxus (Branchiostoma), evolution of developmental patterning, functional genomics, how embryos sense and defend against environmental stressors, innate immunity in teleosts. Evolution Biology and Ecology: evolutionary genetics, genetic structure of invertebrate populations and speciation, invertebrate and fish taxonomy and biogeography, evolution and paleobiology of colonial life, microbial ecology and community structure, phytoplankton ecology, coral reef ecology, evolution and development (EvoDevo), conservation biology. Microbiology: ecology of marine viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton, and the roles these organisms play in marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, microbial symbioses with marine invertebrates, new compounds from cyanobacteria, microbial adaptations to pressure and temperature extremes and other environmental stresses in the marine environment, geomicrobiology, bacteria, and bioremediation. Physiology: respiration and energy metabolism, biomechanics and locomotion, sensory biology and bioluminescence, response to osmotic stress (ion transport and acid/base regulation), epithelial physiology, mitochondrial function, physiology of hydrothermal vent community animals.

DESCRIPTION

The Research Program Business Manager reports to the Center Director within the Gilbert group, providing strategic leadership and expertise in managing federal and private research funding. Oversees a diverse portfolio of research and fellowship awards, ensuring compliance with agency regulations, facilitating financial oversight, and supporting the research team in navigating complex award requirements. Act as a key partner in program development, helping leadership assess program effectiveness through data-driven insights and informed decision-making.

Serve as the primary contact for pre-award and post-award administration, ensuring compliance with federal and private funding policies, as well as guiding research staff in preparing funding applications, budgets, and required reports, ensuring adherence to funding agency guidelines. Lead the development, oversight, and monitoring of program budgets, providing detailed financial analysis and forecasting. Collaborate with university business office staff, PIs, and leadership to manage Technology Development and Commercialization awards, and fellowship awards. Guide junior staff and foster a collaborative environment for research teams to thrive.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Academic background and experience in selected area of research required.

• Familiarity with research administration software and systems (e.g., SAP, Kuali).

• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proven experience in managing federal and private research grants, including budget oversight and compliance management

• Expertise in developing, managing, and reporting on large-scale, multi-year budgets for complex research projects.

• Strong knowledge of federal grant regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, OMB Circulars) and private funding agency policies.

• Experience with technology development/commercialization or fellowship programs, including unique financial and administrative requirements.

• Ability to lead proposal preparation, including the writing of budgets and compliance documents.

• Experience in process optimization or managing change within research administration.

• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting complex information to senior leadership, PIs, and external stakeholders.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers, managers and teams.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.