Research Administrator Lead
University of Michigan
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.
Job Summary
The Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Lead Research Administrator. The successful candidate will manage pre and post award activities relating to the Optics and CUOS Directors and faculty. This position reports directly to the Research Administration Senior Manager.
Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national 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.
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*
FINANCIAL:
- Financial reconciliation, including monitoring projects to ensure expenses are appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and general funding) assigned by the Research Administration Senior Manager
- Forecasting all financial projects both sponsored and non-sponsored
- Review project expenses to determine allowability and appropriateness including researching erroneous charges and taking corrective action
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION:
- Work closely with faculty to prepare develop, prepare and submit proposals, involving mult site budgets, and other agreements with a variety of sponsors
- Develop itemized budgets and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include in proposal submissions ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and EECS/ECE department specific rules and regulations
- Track and oversee project financial status, provide monthly financial reports for investigators
- DBE initiation for faculty, staff and student effort for projects
- Financial monitoring such as journal entries, budget allocations, post award change requests, unfunded agreement processing, initiation sub projects, subcontracts
- FSRs and other documents to close out sponsored projects
- Organizing meetings and conferences from implementation to completion, including travel arrangements Ensuring that sponsor guidelines for expenses and reporting are being met
- Taking and distributing minutes and following up on action items
- Assisting and drafting ad hoc reports required by faculty, sponsor or Research Administration Senior Manager
- Other duties as assigned.
PURCHASING:
- Monitor and reconcile orders in the department purchasing system
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in related position or an accounting background/experience
- Familiarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects.
- Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needs
- Proven ability to work well with others especially under pressure of deadlines.
- Ability to work well independently and in teams
- Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance
- Proven ability to analyze data
- Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated initiative identifying and following through on critical tasks
- Ability to make independent decisions
- Experience with financial management and account reconciliation
- Excellent communication skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheets
- Ability to multitask and refocus after interruptions
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions and manage change.
- Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of, the following federal agencies NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE, as well as experience with corporate and industrial sponsors
- RAIN certification or equivalent
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not required.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Candidates who are not currently employed at the Michigan Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Michigan Engineering candidates for whom this position represents a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus.
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.