Research Account Specialist, Chemistry

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 equal opportunity/equal access university.

Apply now

Posting Start Date: 8/26/26