Job Number: 2025-48598
Category:Accounting & Finance
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Genomics and Computational Biology - W403700
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Oct. 22, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $48,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $58,000.00/Yr.
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Grant & Contract Specialist
Job Number: 2025-48598
Category:Accounting & Finance
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Genomics and Computational Biology - W403700
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Oct. 22, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $48,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $58,000.00/Yr.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Under the general direction of the Department Administrator, or designee, the Grant and Contract Specialist I is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative, financial, and pre and post-award budgetary functions in support of departmental activities, to include both responsibilities for both restricted and unrestricted departmental funds.
Our department embodies the convergence of Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, and Genomics. We are committed to advancing our understanding of biological complexity through cutting-edge computational methods, evolutionary theory, and genomic technologies.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor post-award activities to insure adherence to sponsor guidelines and all reporting requirements are met. Inform Administrator on budget variances
- Assist with any changes to award budgets and submit necessary paperwork for approval of such actions.
- Set up and maintain computerized accounting system for the accurate management of funds
- Compile financial data for use in forecasting and analysis.
- Assist in the preparation of reports for presentation to federal and sponsoring agencies
- Prepare data for financial reports, budgets, budget and research fund reconciliations, forecasting, analysis, and ad-hoc reports for Administrators and PI”s as needed
- Review terms and conditions of new awards for issues involving allowable costs, re-budgeting and reporting requirements, confidentiality clauses, faculty time and effort monitoring, cost sharing, equipment justification, and ensure compatibility with sponsoring agencies regulations and university policies and procedures
- Monitor contracts, extensions, and amendments with outside vendors, private agencies, and consultants in conjunction with Purchasing and legal offices. Inform Administrator on variances
- Manage all phases of post-award grants and contracts administration, to include monitoring budgets, expenses, and recovered overhead. Advise Administrator of reporting requirements
- Assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities
- Assist and participate with Grant Accounting in award termination process to close-out accounts. Notify Administrator of final status
- Monitor Departmental voluntary and mandatory cost sharing
- Provide research and administrative support for special projects; assist in the preparation of data for projects and studies such as updating procedure manuals or analyzing activities compiles statistics
- Process consultant agreements, travel vouchers, purchase orders, reallocation of expenditures, and other expenses
- Participate in the preparation and certification of the annual space and effort documentation
- Participate in the preparation of the Departmental annual operating budget submission
- Perform other duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent experience
- 1 year of relevant job experience, or equivalent, preferably in an academic environment.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports, at both account and summary levels
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and, PowerPoint), or similar software applications
- Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written) needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.
#LI-KR1
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Freqently Asked Questions
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and Access, is essential for managing complex financial data. Familiarity with institutional accounting systems enhances efficiency in grant monitoring and contract management within academic environments like UMass Medical School.
Worcester’s growing biotech and academic sectors increase the need for specialized finance roles. Grant & Contract Specialists here support cutting-edge research funding, making this role vital for institutions like UMass Medical School, where compliance and budget oversight are critical.
Managing post-award grants in genomics requires vigilance to sponsor guidelines, accurate budget tracking, and timely reporting. Complex funding restrictions and interdisciplinary collaborations often demand meticulous coordination to ensure compliance and optimal resource allocation.
Specialists in academic medical settings can advance into senior grant management or research administration roles. Exposure to diverse funding sources and complex regulatory environments at places like UMass Chan Medical School fosters professional growth in both finance and research administration.
Offering between $48,000 and $58,000 annually, this role’s salary aligns with Worcester's cost of living, which is generally lower than Boston. The compensation reflects local market standards for grant administration roles within academic institutions.
UMass Medical School’s role focuses on academic research funding with emphasis on genomics, requiring specialized knowledge of both federal and private sponsor requirements. Unlike federal positions, it involves closer collaboration with faculty and departmental administrators in a university setting.
Being onsite facilitates direct engagement with faculty and administrators, enhancing communication and quick resolution of budgetary or compliance issues. It also supports hands-on management of contracts and grants, critical in a research-intensive environment.
A bachelor's degree in finance or accounting paired with at least one year of relevant academic or research-related experience strengthens candidacy. Demonstrated skills in financial analysis and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools are highly valued.
Many assume the role is purely administrative, but it also involves strategic financial analysis, budget forecasting, and ensuring compliance with complex sponsor regulations. Specialists actively support faculty in identifying funding and managing multi-source grants.
UMass Medical School provides structured administrative oversight and collaborative environments to help specialists navigate complex post-award changes, ensuring compliance with sponsor policies and institutional standards while promoting professional development.
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