Planetary Research Jobs

The Planetary Science Institute (PSI), founded in 1972 and headquartered in Tucson, AZ, is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to Solar System exploration. The reach of science conducted by PSI today covers all traditional areas of planetary science and the search for life in the universe. We are carving inroads into new areas of study enabled by the discovery of thousands of new worlds around other stars in our galaxy, and by the increasingly granular information being returned in the exploration of worlds in our own Solar System, including Earth. We are welcoming the new opportunities afforded by collaborations with commercial partners. We are committed to sharing the resultant knowledge with the public at large to promote science education and science literacy. PSI scientists and educators engage the public in the process of science and are ambassadors to communities where science is often viewed skeptically. Our staff has grown dramatically in the last two decades and now includes 134 PhDs and 186 employees in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and numerous international locations. By the breadth and quality of its science staff, PSI is one of the pre-eminent planetary research institutes in the world. We enthusiastically embrace the future as we pursue more knowledge and opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY: PSI seeks an experienced sponsored projects professional to manage PSI's Sponsored Projects pre-award operations across all award instrument types; grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and subawards/subcontracts, including proposal preparation/coordination and award intake. Principal Investigators (PIs) prepare the initial draft proposal budgets; this role reviews those costs for accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations and solicitation terms, assists with compiling the proposal package, and submits completed proposals to sponsors. The manager will provide technical guidance to PIs, ensure timely proposal submission, and maintain PSI's proposal policies, procedures, and records. This role also facilitates the submission of interim and final reports, including requests for award extensions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIACTIVITIES:

• Lead and manage all pre-award proposal preparation and award intake activities, across all instrument types (grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and subawards/subcontracts), submitted to federal and non-federal entities.

• Review Principal Investigator-prepared proposal budgets for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR) and the terms of the sponsor's Request for Proposal or solicitation.

• Ensure budgeted costs are allowable and external partners are properly categorized based on their functional role on the project and relationship to PSI (e.g., Subrecipient, Vendor, Consultant, Employee, etc.).

• Submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to Subrecipients and/or Contractors included on the proposed project team, when applicable. • Review proposed costs and scope of work to identify potential operational challenges in the postaward phase.

• Provide a hands-on technical review and guidance for subaward and subcontract proposals, particularly continuation proposals for future phases of existing NASA mission awards, which include increased complexity of flow-down terms and negotiated funding structures.

• Assist PIs with compiling and finalizing proposal packages and submits completed proposals to sponsors within prescribed deadlines.

• Conduct award and subaward/subcontract intake review, including related modifications, comparing draft award and subaward documents against the submitted proposal to confirm alignment (e.g., funding details, scope of work, period of performance) prior to handoff to the Contracting Officer for review and negotiation.

• Assist the Contracting Officer during the negotiation phase by resolving questions on budget or scope details and facilitating internal review and signature routing.

• Monitor current and upcoming proposal efforts and manage administrative workloads by establishing internal deadlines for PIs.

• Provide hands-on technical review and guidance on complex proposal budgets, working closely with PIs to resolve issues prior to submission.

• Monitor the status of proposals from inception through receipt of the award (if selected for funding).

• Ensure proposal and award tracking information is accurate and up to date.

• Maintain an appropriate system for storing historical proposal records and corresponding award documents.

• Provide new hire orientation training to PIs on PSI's proposal preparation process.

• Maintain a documented system of proposal policies and procedures.

• Keep abreast of federal agency requirements on reporting and certifications; track due dates for interim and final reports and submit on behalf of the PIs.

Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and/or Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including flow-down requirements generally applicable to subawards and subcontracts.

• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in grants and contracts management as it relates to budget review, compliance, and reporting. Specific experience with NASA grants and contracts strongly preferred.

• Experience reviewing negotiated instruments (contracts, subawards, subcontracts), including familiarity with flow-down clauses and funding phasing/options.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team, while building positive working relationships across the organization.

• Strong computer skills, including all Microsoft Office applications. Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker.

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to PSI's mission.

• Ability to simultaneously handle numerous proposals and awards in varying stages, in a deadline-driven environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or an equivalent level of knowledge obtained through professional experience.

• At least 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in the financial management of federal awards, including direct experience with negotiated instruments such as subawards or subcontracts. Experience with NASA awards specifically is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of internal staff and external professionals.

• Must be able to constantly and repetitively operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, and computer printer.

• Capability to read fine print and a computer monitor.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time.

• Occasionally must be able to move or transport files or equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.

To apply for the position:

If you are interested in applying for this position and can demonstrate that you meet the requirements and qualifications for the opening, please submit the following documents to hr@psi.edu:

• A cover letter that addresses your interest and qualifications for this position.

• Resume.

• Completed Application and Voluntary Self-Identification form (can be found at www.psi.edu or by sending a request to hr@psi.edu).

Planetary Science Institute

Human Resources

1700 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Suite 106 Tucson, AZ 85719

Email: hr@psi.edu

PSI is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.