Director, Surgery Research Office
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.
Job Summary
The Department of Surgery has an exciting opportunity for a Research Administration Senior Manager. The department maintains a robust portfolio of research that is made up of basic, translational, health services, and clinical projects. External research funding for the current fiscal year is approximately $46M, and we submit roughly 200 new proposals each year. Our funding comes from many different funding sources, including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, foundations, professional societies, and industry sources. We are seeking a dynamic person to lead the Surgery Research Office (SRO). The SRO is a centralized office that provides research administration and facilities management support to all seven sections within the department.
In partnership with the Vice Chair for Research and the Chief Department Administrator, the incumbent will direct the activities of a 12-person team that is dedicated to providing outstanding support for grant submissions, post award accounting, research facilities management, and research procurement.
Responsibilities*
Operations Management
- Manage day-to-day operations of a centralized pre-award and post-award office, research procurement, and research space and facilities which includes direct
oversight of 12 staff. - Protects the institution by assuring that proposals and awards are in compliance with, federal, state, agency and institution policies of grants and contracts.
- Manages the review of grant and contract awards terms and conditions.
- Train and supervise staff in departmental proposal submission, award management, policy and procedures, research procurement, and space and facilities.
- Function as a technical resource and advisor on financial and regulatory issues to faculty and staff.
- Provide leadership, advice, and guidance regarding financial and administrative policies and procedures.
- Approve proposals and financial transactions.
Human Resources Management
- Responsible for the onboarding of research faculty, postdocs, and staff under Surgery Administration.
- Manages staff, makes hiring decisions, provides coaching, training and mentoring, manages performance and determines staffing needs for Surgery Research
Office (SRO). - Write job descriptions, interview candidates, handle grievances and performance issues.
- Work closely with the Section Administrative Managers and Section Heads to provide support relating to faculty, including recruitment, retention, annual
evaluations, salary program, and effort management and reporting. - Approve effort changes for researchers.
Financial and Reporting
- Prepare reports of grant submissions, research funding, expenditures, and others as needed.
- Analyze data and make recommendations to CDA & Department Chair and others.
- Provide faculty with forecasts and assist them in developing plans for their research finances.
- Approve purchasing card transactions for SRO staff.
Support Department Research Mission
- Attend Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings, track budget and expenditures of the RAC, organize annual internal grant competition, assist with the
development of departmental policies and guidelines related to research, and advise the Vice Chair for Research. - Assist with organization of annual research conference.
- Oversee the maintenance of the research website and provide monthly research updates for departmental newsletter.
- Present at the New Faculty Orientation annually, assist with onboarding new research faculty.
Facilities and Space Management
- Coordinate laboratory moves and renovations.
- Maintain space data for research space. Provide reports and make recommendations to the Department Chair and Vice Chair of Research regarding space allocation.
- Oversee Department of Surgery research equipment, service agreements, and re-charge accounts.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related fields.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience overseeing grants and contract administration.
- 3+ years direct supervisory experience.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with MPathways, Microsoft applications, and Wolverine Access
- Extensive experience managing staff and services.
- Experience managing data and converting it into actionable information.
- Knowledge of issues related to human resources, financial, information technology, and facilities management in a large and diverse organization.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; ability to present and articulate ideas and plans.
- Ability to interpret and apply NIH guidelines and guide others in learning and managing complex projects.
- Ability to understand the goals of the projects and funding and to develop the necessary operational systems to implement them.
- Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgement, good decision-making, and unquestionable integrity.
- Effective management skills; ability to lead, work with, elicit cooperation from, and read communication styles of team members and staff.
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.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.