Grants and Contracts Coordinator - Biomedical and Translational Sciences

Grants and Contracts Coordinator - Biomedical and Translational Sciences

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The Cornell University Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences (being established in February 2026 as a merge of the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine) is seeking a skilled research administration professional to support its dynamic and highly collaborative research enterprise. This role provides comprehensive pre- and post-award grants and contracts support, working closely with faculty, research staff, and central offices to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant submissions. You will serve as a trusted advisor to investigators by identifying funding opportunities, interpreting sponsor guidelines, and developing complex budgets and application materials. Acting as a key liaison across the department, college, university, and external partners, you will help move research ideas from concept through award management. This position is well suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines. If you enjoy collaboration, problem-solving, and supporting impactful biomedical research, this role offers a meaningful opportunity at Cornell University.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grant Submissions/Pre-Award Support:

• Provide high-level pre-award grant and contract support, including proposal development, budget and justification preparation, sponsor-specific forms, and submission management
• Maintain a broad understanding of departmental research priorities, faculty projects, and sponsor requirements; identify and communicate relevant funding opportunities
• Independently ensure proposal compliance with sponsor, college, and university policies, monitoring deadlines and requirements through final submission
• Serve as a primary liaison with PIs, department leadership, College Research Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, internal grant partners, and external collaborators
• Coordinate and guide grant preparation activities within the department, providing direction to other grants and contracts preparers and balancing workload as needed
• Act as the department’s subject-matter expert for pre-award processes, addressing questions, resolving issues, and advising stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle
• Communicate grant activity and unique considerations to financial and administrative teams to support seamless transitions post-award

Post-Award Support:

• NFA preparation, database maintenance (e.g., critical grant tracking details), grant/contract progress reports, RPPRs, compliance verification (animal/human subject protocols), Just In Time submissions.
• Foresee and explore potential issues or problems, advise/recommend faculty and carry out solutions.
• Work in coordination with the BMS Financial Specialists, BMS Administrator, College Account Service Center (ASC), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Sponsored Financial Services (SFS).

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in accounting, business administration, or related field with four to six years of related sponsored programs experience, administrative/financial experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and applications simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and follow through on complex tasks
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a strong customer service mindset
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams, using sound judgment to escalate issues when appropriate
• Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software tools to manage information, analyze data, and produce reports
• Commitment to continuous learning and to modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, wellbeing, and equitable working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, non-profits, foundations and industry sponsors.
• Understanding of applicable government regulations (Uniform Guidelines) and university policies.
• Proven experience with grant and contract preparation, submission and administration preferred.
• Working knowledge of NIH eRACommons for grant preparation.
• Experience in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of Cornell University policies and procedures preferred, as well as experience with a variety of Cornell University systems, including RASS, Workday, KFS and OBIEE Dashboards.

Important Details about the Position

• This is a hybrid position located in Ithaca, NY.
• We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion

• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
  • Comprehensive health care options
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
  • Generous retirement contributions
  • Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program
• Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.

Questions?

Gabriel Gonzalez - gag95@cornell.edu

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Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

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