Research Administrator - University of Michigan ICPSR

Overview

The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) is part of the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan. The consortium maintains the world's largest archive of social science data with 10,000+ studies relating to education, aging, criminal justice, substance abuse, terrorism, and more. A global leader in data science, we also support continuing education in research design, statistics, and data analysis.

ICPSR seeks a Research Administrator to support the center and is part of the Administration Unit by performing a wide range of financial and research administration duties. ICPSR submits approximately 24 proposals to external sponsors each year. Our research portfolio has awards totaling more than $15 million a year. The ideal candidate will have a background in research administration, attention to detail with an interest in collaborative process improvement and career development. The Research Administrator will report to the Senior Research Administrator and will perform other administrative functions for the primary research and project manager staff in the organization. 

 

Mission Statement

The Administration unit serves all administrative needs of ICPSR, including finance, budgeting, proposal development, post-award support, procurement, facilities, event planning, and general administration. It coordinates with ISR and the University of Michigan business offices. Administration communicates directly with sponsors regarding administrative functions related to proposals and awards.

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 any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

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

 Learn more about U-M benefits.

Responsibilities*

ICPSR Research Administrator is responsible for expert coordination of the administrative research process for proposal submissions (pre-award) and the detailed management of sponsored funds (post-award). This position provides in-depth analysis and recommendations of pre- and post-award activities. This position predominately performs activities and makes decisions independently.

Pre-award activities include, but not limited to:

• Comprehensive coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submissions, as appropriate, with internal and external entities
• Close communication with primary research and project manager staff for proposal planning
• Preparation of budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation to meet sponsor and University requirements
• Reading, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements and deadlines
• Preparing the University’s Proposal Approval Form (PAF) and Unfunded Agreements (UFA) in eResearch and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process
• Entering proposal data and forms into sponsor systems (e.g., NSF Research.gov, Grant.Gov, foundation portals, etc.)

Post-award activities include, but not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of the University and sponsor funds for an assigned group of primary research staff
• Meeting regularly with assigned primary research staff to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
• Analyzing and responding to various university-generated financial reports (e.g., Uniform Guidance (UG) reports, Financial Status Report (FSR) for expired sponsored projects)
• Assisting with preparing sponsor-requested financial reports

Required Qualifications*

We’d like to hear from you if you have:

• 3+years of progressive experience in administration and/or research (less than 3 years of experience for associate level)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite products and Google tools, particularly word processing and spreadsheets
• Experience with centralized systems for proposal routing, submission, and awards
• Attention to detail with high degree of accuracy, consistent follow through to completion and meet high work standards
• Able to work independently and meet or exceed deadlines
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
• Able to cultivate strong working relationships with team members and affiliates
• Demonstrated high quality customer service focus

Desired Qualifications*

We are especially interested if you also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Knowledge of common sponsor guidelines
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Experience with databases and querying data

Work Locations

• This position will be onsite in Ann Arbor, MI.
• Remote or flexible arrangements are available in within overall policies.

Underfill Statement

This posting may be filled at the Intermediate, (salary range of $60K- $75K) or Associate level, (salary range $50K-$60K) depending on qualifications.

Additional Information

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of selected candidate.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

 Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Salary is dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.