Purchasing and Financial Coordinator - College of Engineering - Chemical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Since its inception in 1905, the Carnegie Mellon Department of Chemical Engineering has been on the leading edge of research and innovation in chemical engineering. Today, this is more true than ever. With research thrusts across fields such as health and medicine, biofuels, air quality and more, CMU chemical engineering students are paving the way to healthier, cleaner, more efficient future for all.

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Purchasing and Financial Coordinator to support daily research, administrative, and financial operations. This role manages routine purchasing for research laboratories, provides financial and scheduling support, and serves as a backup point of contact for facilities coordination. The position works closely with other members of the Operations team to keep research and department operations running smoothly for faculty, staff, and students. The ideal candidate is someone organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple recurring tasks and requests at once.

Core Responsibilities:

Research Purchasing:

• Process routine purchase requests from faculty, PhD students, and research staff, including consumables, general lab supplies, and equipment.
• Track orders from request through delivery; follow up on delays or issues with vendors.
• Process reimbursements and departmental purchasing card reconciliations.
• Assist in negotiations with vendors and ensures completion of contract terms; responsible for merchandise selection. Recommends alternative products and vendors.
• Responsible for obtaining all documentation needed for purchase completion.
• Assist finance team to develop improved processes for purchasing and other finance operations.
• Coordinate freight/equipment deliveries, and outgoing equipment shipments/repairs.
• Assist with receipt/storage of packages requiring special handling (e.g. temperature sensitive).
• Assist with other purchasing tasks as needed to support department operations.

Financial support:

• Track, enter, and maintain Oracle labor distribution, working with faculty and the
• Engineering Research Accelerator’s post-award team to maintain planned labor allocations.
• Run recurring monthly financial and budget reports for departmental leadership, faculty, and student groups.
• Process financial transactions, including account redistributions, cost transfers, and other departmental financial activity, as needed.
• Assist with other financial tasks as needed to support department operations.

General Department Support:

• Provide backup to other members of the operations team, including facilities and lab staff.
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed to support department operations.

As well as other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 1-3 years of related experience.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication, verbal and written, as well interpersonal relationship capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and resolve issues as they arise.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

Requirements:

• Successful Background Check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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