Research Account Specialist, Chemistry

Job Description Apply now Req Id: 43653 Job Title: Research Account Specialist, Chemistry City: West Lafayette Job Description: Job Summary At Purdue University, research drives discovery, innovation, and real-world impact. Behind every groundbreaking project is a team of professionals who help make that work possible. As a Research Account Specialist, you'll play a vital role in supporting faculty as they pursue research that advances knowledge and improves lives. From proposal submission through post-award management, you'll help ensure research projects remain on track, compliant, and positioned for success. You'll collaborate with investigators, sponsors, and colleagues across the University, serving as a trusted partner and problem-solver throughout the research lifecycle. About Us: The Purdue Department of Chemistry is home to world-renowned faculty, nationally recognized research programs, and one of the country's top analytical chemistry programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to partner directly with leading researchers, helping advance groundbreaking discoveries while developing expertise in research administration, financial stewardship, and project management. This position is primarily remote; campus attendance will be determined by business need. Responsibilities Include: Expedite research proposal processing from submission to post award. Promote investigator team communications and assist in resolving issues. In coordination with the Business Manager, prepare budget projections and coordinate reporting processes. Maintain fiscal and administrative controls to ensure all funds are expended in accordance with University and sponsor policies and procedures. Serve as liaison with participants, sponsors, subcontractors and other University offices. Assist with answering key operational questions on behalf of the principal investigator. Work directly with Principal Investigators (PIs) to facilitate management of grant activities such as: expenditure and budget reviews; audit of invoices and billings; monitoring accounts; and preparing financial reports, projections, grants and other agreements Coordinate with faculty; organize risk analysis sessions; perform statistical analysis of data; plan and track timelines, ensuring follow up; provide timely reports to PIs and sponsors; and plan for award management. What We’re Looking For: Required: Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or related field of study. One year of account management, financial management, or related experience. Skills Needed: Ability to analyze, interpret and implement University policies and procedures. Strong verbal/written communication skills. Planning, problem-solving, organizational, project management and customer service skills. Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels. Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology impacting business processes, e.g. SAP,etc. Personal computer and related software skills. Strong quantitative skills with ability to synthesize complex information and produce quality management reports. Ability to work a flexible schedule that allows for demands of reporting, implementation of new projects, etc. and not so much normal business hours. What Sets us Apart: At Purdue, your work matters. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on research efforts while building valuable expertise in a collaborative and supportive environment. Here, you'll find a community that values continuous learning, professional growth, and innovation, empowering you to chart your own path while contributing to something bigger than yourself. Additional Information: To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary CLICK HERE Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position A background check will be required for employment in this position FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime) Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period Career Stream Pay Band S060 Job Code #20003797 The anticipated annual rate for this position is $56,525/year. Equal Opportunity Employer: Purdue University is an EOE employer. Apply now Posting Start Date: 8/26/26