Pre-Award Specialist

Pre-Award Specialist Job no: 503738 Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time Location: Partial Remote, Bethlehem Categories: Research Join Lehigh University's dynamic research community as a Pre-Award Specialist, where innovation meets opportunity! Located in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley, our university offers an exceptional work environment that values collaboration, growth, and work-life balance. Research Support Services (RSS) seeks a dedicated Pre-Award Specialist to serve as the primary liaison between faculty researchers and funding opportunities. You'll provide comprehensive support throughout the entire proposal development lifecycle, from initial consultation to final submission, working closely with our Contract and Grant Specialists to deliver outstanding service to our research community. Position Number: S97160 This position is a Grade: 8 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $46,870-$56,250 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications. Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary resource for faculty, postdocs, and staff throughout proposal lifecycle from identification to submission
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and confirm PI/institutional eligibility requirements
• Draft non-technical components including budgets, justifications, and Letters of Intent using LIRA system
• Establish timelines and coordinate proposal components, especially for collaborative submissions with subrecipients
• Prepare administrative forms, manage documentation, and route approvals through department and ORSP review
• Conduct monthly PI meetings to discuss upcoming submissions and funding outlook
• Process Just-in-Time requests and budget revisions based on awarded amounts
• Gather required regulatory approvals including fCOI disclosures, export control, and data security compliance
• Review effort commitments, salary caps, and cost-sharing requirements prior to award setup
• Coordinate subcontract details and budget requirements with PIs and subrecipients
• Maintain current knowledge of sponsor guidelines, Uniform Guidance, and university policies
• Assist investigators with LIRA system utilization and troubleshooting
• Participate in research community training on pre-award topics and coordinate with ORSP on emerging issues
• Stay informed through government publications, professional listservs, and national training opportunities
• Serve as knowledgeable resource for research administration best practices

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or other suitable field
• One to three years of related work experience
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Strong accounting skills
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and attention to detail required

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. 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. 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.
• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

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. Advertised: January 22, 2026 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App Apply tot his job Apply To this Job