Senior Research Solutions Architect

University of Chicago • Austin, TX

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Research Finance, the Senior Research Solutions Architect defines technology solutions that satisfy the needs of URA business by analyzing business requirements, evaluating existing systems, and proposing optimal architectures, process and workflow to solve business challenges. The Senior Research Solutions Architect acts as a bridge between business needs and technical capabilities with internal and external stakeholders in support of the UChicago research ecosystem. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Oracle Cloud and research administration systems. The job leads cross functional teams in the development of new and existing systems. Solves complex problems and anticipates evolving business requirements to identify, design, and implement appropriate process improvements, systems alternatives, and/or enhancements to current systems.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic environment.
• Participation interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting.
• Strong understanding of research administration, project accounting, billing, budgeting, and resource management processes.
• Experience in requirements gathering, business process mapping, gap analysis, and solution design.
• Proficiency with Oracle PPM suite and related modules.
• Proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, and Workday.
• Oracle Cloud certification or relevant training.
• Ability to anticipate needs, problems and potential issues and use judgment, foresight and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot, recommend and implement solutions.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members.
• Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration.
• Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment.
• Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.
• Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.
• Stay current with technology and digital tools.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement technical solutions by developing an understanding of research related business functions and challenges, translating complex requirements into effective designs that align with enterprise strategy and standards.
• Propose optimal business processes and implementation plans that prioritize cost-effectiveness, performance, scalability, reuse, security, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of solution implementation projects, providing technical leadership and mentorship.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for University Sponsored Projects (USP) in Oracle Project Portfolio Management (PPM).
• Develop a monitoring system to manage USP transactions and budgets in PPM and coordinate University units to regularly resolve transaction issues in advance of period close.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, business stakeholders, and vendors to manage expectations and ensure alignment with enterprise policies and standards.
• Analyze existing business processes to identify and recommend improvements based on industry trends and professional knowledge.
• Provide transactional leadership and functional support as required including: proactive review or unprocessed costs; accounting exception errors throughout the open period; monitor USP budgets across units and report on overspending and other issues; and GL reconciliation.
• Lead Project Managers in the divisions/departments to process corrections (Ex. Project extensions, cost corrections).
• Serve as a liaison between business users and IT teams, ensuring clear communication and understanding of requirements and solutions.
• Create and maintain clear documentation to successfully communicate proposed solutions to all stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training sessions for end-users to ensure optimal utilization of Oracle PPM functionalities.
• Participate in system upgrades, testing, and deployment activities, including writing and executing test scripts and implement configuration changes as required.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop workplan, gather requirements and test report builds.
• Enhance training and operational procedures to drive increased efficiency and productivity.
• Manage stakeholder expectations by effectively communicating complex technical concepts and addressing concerns
• Coordinate between the Office of the Provost and Unit financial managers to build a comprehensive understanding of the University's portfolio.
• Utilizes expertise and a thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements to translate business and user needs into system requirement specifications.
• Communicates and presents on system enhancements and/or alternatives to colleagues in IT management.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees