HudsonAlpha - Research Finance & Planning Analyst

Position Title: Research Finance & Planning Analyst

Department: Finance

FLSA Status: Salaried/Exempt

Reports to: Research Finance & Planning Manager

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science, and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Finance Department at HudsonAlpha Institute oversees comprehensive financial operations, including grant and general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable and receivable, and audit relations. The department also manages financial reporting for the HudsonAlpha Foundation and handles all financial aspects of shared services, such as cost centers and purchasing.

A key function is Research Finance, which independently reviews each research project due to varying funding sources and requirements. This team ensures regulatory compliance, proper cost recording, and accurate application of indirect costs to grants. By providing detailed financial data and projections, the department supports the evaluation of project feasibility and economic potential, ultimately advancing HudsonAlpha's mission to bring research developments to market and fulfill its economic development goals.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a talented Research Finance & Planning Analyst to join our mission-driven finance team. In this role, you'll help power scientific discovery by turning complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that advance breakthrough biotech research. You'll play a critical part in managing federal grants, restricted funding, and diverse revenue streams that fuel our important work.

This role works hands-on with Vena and Deltek Costpoint daily, so direct experience with financial systems like these (or comparable ERP/FP&A tools) is important for success in the position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

What You'll Do

• Lead support for the annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes across departments and research labs.
• Partner directly with department leaders and scientists to provide budget guidance, labor planning, and strategic financial decision support.
• Design and maintain financial dashboards and reports in Vena to drive visibility and performance tracking.
• Own administration and continuous improvement of Vena templates, workflows, and reporting structures.
• Leverage Deltek Costpoint to deliver accurate project-level financial analysis and reporting.
• Support grant financial management, cost-reimbursable reporting, and indirect cost allocations for federal and restricted funding.
• Build labor plans, headcount models, and personnel cost forecasts that align resources with scientific priorities.
• Create ad hoc analyses and presentations for leadership and board members.
• Contribute to monthly financial close processes and drive process improvement/automation initiatives.
• Collaborate across finance, accounting, and operational teams to ensure high-quality, timely financial information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 2-5 years of financial and planning analysis experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Based in Huntsville, AL, or willing to relocate
• Strong analytical and written communication skills, with demonstrated attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with Vena and/or Deltek Costpoint.
• Power BI experience.
• Prior experience in a non-profit or federally/grant-funded organization.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to their own health and safety or to the health and safety of other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Constantly moving during campus events.
• Must be able to transport materials required for various experiences. This includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds of materials (e.g. small stacks of media, equipment, and other equipment) between classrooms/events and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Frequently move around the HudsonAlpha campus to monitor guests of HudsonAlpha.
• Occasional air/car travel for meetings, conferences, or other activities which may require overnight stay(s).
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust/focus.

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and other common and educational spaces throughout HudsonAlpha, with controlled temperature conditions.
• Occasional exposure to the outdoor environment during portions of the workday, including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.

Mental Functions

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Use interpersonal skills to foster a stimulating, collaborative environment.