Pre-Award Specialist

Lehigh University seeks a dynamic Pre-Award Specialist to join our Office of Vice Provost for Research, where innovation meets opportunity in a collaborative academic environment.

As the primary point of contact for faculty and researchers, you'll guide them through the exciting journey from research concept to funded proposal. Working within our Research Support Services (RSS) team, you'll provide comprehensive contract and grants management support, ensuring seamless proposal development and submission processes. You'll collaborate closely with ORSP Contract and Grant Specialists, creating a supportive environment that empowers our world-class researchers to secure vital funding for their innovative projects.

Position Number: S97160

This position is a Grade: with an approximate salary range of $46,870 - $56,250 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees the full proposal submission process for Principal Investigators (PIs), from identifying funding opportunities to final submission in the LIRA system.

• Provides guidance to faculty, postdocs, and staff on sponsor requirements, eligibility, regulations, and proposal components.

• Develops and coordinates all non-technical elements of proposals, including budgets, justifications, letters of intent, and administrative forms.

• Serves as the main liaison among PIs, departments, subrecipients, and ORSP to ensure timely, compliant, and accurate proposal submissions.

• Manages all pre-award grant and contract administration activities, including preparing Just-in-Time and other sponsor requests.

• Collaborates with PIs on proposal planning, budget revisions, regulatory approvals, and compliance requirements prior to award setup.

• Coordinates with PIs and subrecipients to confirm effort, cost sharing, and updated budget details for accurate award processing.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of sponsor regulations, university policies, Uniform Guidance, and changes to the LIRA system.

• Serves as a knowledgeable resource for faculty and staff, assisting with LIRA use and providing guidance on research administration practices.

• Supports training and communication across the research community by coordinating with ORSP and participating in professional development and policy updates.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or other suitable field required

• One to three years of relevant work experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong accounting skills

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and attention to detail required

Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university's mission. 

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University. Therefore, a credit check is required.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.