Research Administrator Intermediate/Senior

University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Marketing & Communications
Herndon, VA, USA
Posted on Dec 15, 2025
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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

This is a Pre-Award position with minimal Post-Award duties, and requires a customer service orientation, the ability to manage shifting priorities, and ability to multitask. Must be able to work independently, set goals, problem-solve, and possess outstanding organizational skills.

This position has the option to be 100% remote, but space is available onsite if preferred. During initial training, onsite sessions may be most effective, and occasional meetings with faculty or administrative team a few times a year may be required.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Who We Are

The Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology is seeking a Research Administrator Senior/Intermediate to provide excellent proposal preparation support to faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. This position requires expertise in handling the various timelines and responsibilities associated with grant proposal submissions. The preferred candidate will have experience within academic research settings and with UM policies and be able to interface with other institutions, departments, and offices within and outside the University.

We are looking for a positive collegial individual who works well within a team environment. Excellent communication skills are required. The ability to work independently and exercise good judgment is critical, and attention to detail and dependability are essential. We are seeking someone with significant experience and competence in technical research administration with a focus on supporting pre-award research. We have a varied research portfolio, from government agencies (mainly NIH), foundations, and philanthropists.

Responsibilities*

Pre-Award Research Administration:

Assist faculty and researchers with grant proposal and contract submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors from initial steps to final submission ensuring deadlines are met. Activities include but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Reviewing, interpreting, and adhering to proposal submission guidelines for applications for University and the NIH and other funding agency?s proposal guidelines.
  • Reviewing/editing/formatting proposal documents and Proposal Approval Forms to ensure compliance with University policies/procedures and federal regulations.
  • Working with faculty/postdocs/graduate students to accurately complete required sponsor forms for application packages and develop budgets and budget justifications following Sponsor, School and University Policies. Excellent Excel and Word skills and experience with complex budget preparation.
  • Entering proposal information into eResearch Proposal Management, ASSIST, Proposal Central, and various other foundation portals.
  • Serving as a liaison for faculty and researchers with central offices (i.e. Medical School Grant Services & Analysis Office, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP).

Post-Award Activity:

  • Assist faculty and researchers in preparation and routing of Current and Pending Support (Other Support) and progress reports, mainly RPPRs, and create post-award change requests to route via ORSP.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills You Have

Research Administration Skills:
Ability to interpret and communicate School, University, and Sponsor guidelines and policies. Demonstrated experience with multi-project grant proposals. Prior experience with federal funding agencies (NIH) is strongly preferred. Mastery of Excel and ability to adapt to changing technology is essential. Must have the ability to work in a team environment, collaborate effectively with co-workers, and provide excellent customer service.

Ability to organize and synthesize complex information about particular financial aspects, resulting in clear and comprehensive summaries. Candidates will need to exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards, as well as possessing the ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines. Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills is essential. Experience in the use of Business Objects.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor?s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines, and strong attention to detail are necessary.
  • Experience in pre-award activities including the steps involved with grant submission including knowledge of submission platforms (eResearch Proposal Central, ASSIST, grants.gov, etc.),
  • Experience in grant administration with Federal and Non-Federal sponsors.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and familiarity with Wolverine Access Human Resource Management System, Business Objects etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Candidates should have the ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team environment, and independently, and interact effectively with faculty and peers.
  • Candidates should have knowledge of UM policies and procedures.

Senior:

  • 5+ experience in research administration

Intermediate:

  • 3+ experience in research administration

Desired Qualifications*

  • Advanced Degree Preferred.
  • Have a deep understanding of research sponsor agency grant requirements and provide interpretation and policy guidance.
  • Knowledge and capability with complex elements in proposals including NIH cap, cost sharing, and subcontract and/or sub-project distribution and allocation.
  • Familiarity and proficiency with UM datasets including Research, Finance, HR, with capability and technical skill in running reports (e-snap) using appropriate query and reporting tools such as Business Objects.
  • Demonstrated experience with multi-project proposals.
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time 40 hours/week position; 8:00 - 5:00.

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.