Research Administrator
Overview
Research Administrator | U-M Careers
*How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation’s number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
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
· Maternity and Parental Leave
*Responsibilities
Pre-award activities include, but not limited to:
· Assisting departmental faculty in development, preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals
· Manage the submission for complex research grant proposals to private and federal funding agencies. This includes processing all proposal paperwork including budgets, justification, current and pending, etc., working with partners to collect relevant information and ensure submission and approval of proposals within set deadlines.
· Serves as signature authority for electronic proposals, submits electronic proposals and assists with problems.
· Monitor all proposals to meet agency and University guidelines, published timetables and deadlines
· Facilitate the preparation of indirect cost (IDC) waiver requests
· Coordinate cost-share requests
Post-award activities include, but not limited to:
· Reconcile sponsored research projects using M-Reports, M-Pathways, eReconciliation and other reporting tools to ensure appropriate use of funds.
· Meet regularly with faculty to review award contracts, consult with financial and administrative management of projects, and offer analysis, guidance on best practices relating to post award management.
· Set-up new awards including sub-project requests, subcontracts, unfunded agreements, and hardship requests.
· Review, encumber, and monitor financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability
· Supervises the processing of invoices and monitoring of budgets.
· Ensures compliance with sponsor terms, University policies/procedures and federal regulations
· Research, analyze, and resolve sponsored project issues
· Prepare financial status reports and sponsor reports as needed
· Compile financial information to process transactions (i.e., budget allocations, appointment changes and journal entries)
· Review and approve travel and expense reports made on faculty led accounts
· Track GSRA, faculty and staff appointment changes on sponsored projects
*Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration or certification as research administrator and 5-7 years of grant and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
· Strong proficiency with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology, processes and procedures.
· Ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University and Sponsor guidelines and policies
· Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
· Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team; essential
*Desired Qualifications
· Ability to excel in an evolving environment
· Focus and ability to solve problems
· Ability to follow projects through to completion and meet high work standards
· Capability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities; attention to detail
· Ability to support, and participate in, change initiatives to improve service, efficiencies and/or productivity
Work Location
The Department of Materials Science & Engineering operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This position will be classified as a MOBILE position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix which means working on campus up to 1 day per week and working remotely the rest of the week. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/
*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
March 26, 2025
**U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.