Research Administrator Senior

Overview

How to Apply

In addition to your resume, please submit a cover letter where you describe how this role fits your career goals. Your submissions will be used to assess writing skills and attention to detail during the initial screening process. (Note that the system only allows for one single file attachment).

Who We Are

As the nation's largest public research university, we aim to catalyze, support and safeguard research at the University of Michigan. We are #1 in research volume among U.S. public universities with $1.62B in annual research expenditures and 2.8 million square feet of lab space.  We are looking for someone to provide research administration support focused on high-quality customer service and counsel to faculty and staff while being responsible for a broad range of pre- and post-award activities.  You will report to the Associate Director for Research Administration within the University's Office of Research (UMOR).

A full job description is available upon request and will be provided to candidates before interviews.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

• Manage the submission for complex research grant proposals to private and federal funding agencies. This includes processing all proposal paperwork, working with partners to collect relevant information and ensure submission and approval of proposals within set deadlines.
• Interpret and communicate sponsor requirements related to proposal materials and awards.
• Be the liaison between sponsors, internal departments and principal investigators.
• Review and communicate award terms and conditions including compliance and reporting requirements
• Reconcile financial account activity including tracking of cost share commitments and effort. Take corrective action as needed. Provide regular reports to principal investigators.
• In collaboration with our central offices and principal investigators, provide financial and research/program reports to sponsors.
• Utilize a variety of tools and systems for submission and tracking of grant proposals.
• Coordinate with our research teams and other partners to process multiple award changes and budget reallocations.
• Work with diverse teams across a large, decentralized organization keeping a customer-service oriented attitude at the core of your work.
• Adapt to changes with an eye towards continuous improvement of the submission and grant management processes.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
• 5+ years of progressive grants and contract administration experience including both programmatic and financial elements
• Applied experience submitting proposals in sponsor systems (Fastlane, grants.gov, NIH Commons)
• Intermediate to expert level proficiency with database administration, reporting tools, Microsoft Office and Google collaboration tools
• Interest in a multi-faceted work environment that is collaborative, team-oriented and customer-service focused
• Proficiency in meeting deadlines and managing tasks to completion in a professional manner 
• Experience working independently, exercising professional judgement and using available resources 
• A broad understanding of positive interpersonal relationships principles

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge of project management methodologies
• Experience with LEAN thinking and continuous improvement
• Certified Research Administration (CRA) certification

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.