Jobs › University of Chicago

Pre-Award Coordinator

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $26.44–$33.65 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 31, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you caught an error before a submission.

What they are checking: Whether they pay attention to detail where small errors can cost funding.

How do you stay current on changes to NIH policies?

What they are checking: Whether they keep their knowledge up to date in a field that changes often.

What would you do

A faculty member sends you their materials the day before the deadline. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, prioritize and still check compliance under time pressure.

A researcher disagrees with a university guideline you're enforcing. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold the line on policy while keeping a good relationship.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd prepare the administrative pieces of an NIH proposal.

What they are checking: Whether they know components like biosketches, other support and budgets.

What's the difference between a competing and a non-competing NIH application?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the grant lifecycle the role supports.

What is a material transfer agreement, and what do you check when processing one?

What they are checking: Whether they understand research agreements the posting names.

How do you keep track of many proposals with different deadlines?

What they are checking: Whether they have a dependable system for deadlines.

How would you explain effort reporting to a new researcher?

What they are checking: Whether they understand compliance rules on how time is charged to grants.

What is a data use agreement, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how research data sharing is controlled.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD ADM - Pre Award - Coordinators About the Department The Biological Sciences Division Research Administration Office provides support to all research administration activities of participating units throughout the proposal and award lifecycle. Job Summary The job provides specialized business support for grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit. Pre-award activities include research, preparing applications, and reviewing proposals. Post-award activities include compliance monitoring payment processing and salary allocations. The Pre-award Coordinator assists in pre-award activities within the BSD Research Administration Office including reviewing proposal guidelines; collecting, composing, and/or preparing administrative components of proposal submissions such as biosketches and other support; developing and submitting NIH non-competing applications/progress reports; and processing material transfer agreements and data use agreements. Responsibilities • Ensures timely and accurate submission of competitive and non-competitive proposals and renewals to University Research Administration. • Ensures that all applications meet agency and University guidelines, published time tables, and deadlines. • Assists in pre-award activities including account creation, regulatory compliance monitoring, salary allocations and effort reporting, lab order processing, invoice preparation, payment processing, cost center charges, cost transfers, summer salary processing, grant projections, grant closing processes and account closing. • Assists in preparation of summaries for Principal investigators of grant projections and responds to questions from Principal Investigators. • Coordinates and ensures completion of annual, final, and ad hoc financial requirements and keeps the Principal Investigator informed of progress. • Interacts with University Research Administration, Faculty, Department Pre-Award Staff, Department Human Resources, Pre/Post Award staff in other departments and Financial Services Office personnel. • Assists in pre-award activities including reading proposal guidelines; collecting, composing, and/or preparing administrative components of proposal submissions; preparing applications, performing funding searches, developing and preparing budgets, and monitoring regulatory compliance requirements. • Assists in post-award activities including account creation, regulatory compliance monitoring, salary allocations and effort reporting, lab order processing, invoice preparation, payment processing, cost center charges, cost transfers, summer salary processing, grant projections, grant closing processes and account closing. • Supports the timely and accurate submission of competitive and non-competitive proposals and renewals to University Research Administration. Checks that all applications meet agency and University guidelines, published time tables, and deadlines. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred. Experience: • Previous experience in administration, accounting or grant and contracts strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies • Strong computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Strong organizational skills. • Attention to detail. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Knowledge of accounting. • Financial skills. • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact. • Strong time management skills, including ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks. • Ability to maintain effectiveness under deadlines. • Knowledge of research methods and funding sources. • Knowledge of federal and University regulations for grant management. Working Conditions • Office environment at Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Financial Management Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly ​ FLSA Status Non-Exempt ​ Pay Range $26.44 - $33.65 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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