University of Michigan · 1 day ago
Research Administrator Sr
Ann Arbor, MI
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$93K/yr - $110K/yr
3+ years expThe University of Michigan is a leading academic institution, and they are seeking a Research Administrator Senior to provide pre- & post-award support for their Administrative Core. This role involves managing proposal preparation and post-award requirements for research projects while working closely with faculty and their teams.
E-LearningEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include independently projecting and updating encumbrances, multi project financial management faculty portfolio analysis, staff effort planning across multiple projects, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability
Efficiently and effectively approve and monitor expenditures on sponsored and non-sponsored projects, providing faculty/staff with recommendations for adhering to sponsor approved budget allocations. Ensure compliance/oversight by monitoring budgets and spending, and providing guidance and counsel for the stewardship of sponsored research funds. Advise faculty on best practices for post-award management, including assistance with budgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork
Proactive in monitoring the sponsored projects and anticipating post award changes such as re-budgeting requests, personnel (key and non-key) changes, no-cost time extensions, cost sharing changes, project scope changes, transfer of projects, early terminations, and renewal of subawards and subcontracts
Responsible for interpreting regulations and guidelines of internal and external funding and maintaining communication between Faculty, ISR, SP, and ORSP
Review and reconcile monthly activity using departmental processes, resolving issues independently, reporting areas of concern to project directors and administration
Track and manage cost share commitments, requesting cost share transfers each fiscal year if necessary
Initiate set up of subcontracts, set up internal sub PGs, review and approve concur expense reports, and tracking expenses for adherence to budgetary guidelines
Assist the PI and their research team with annual reports as necessary such as RPPR?s, as well as work with Sponsored Programs on the preparation of annual and/or final FSR, UG Reports, and other financial reports as required in a timely manner
Assist PI and staff in timecard completion and effort distribution each month, submit necessary effort changes, working with department Unit Administrator and HR staff
Responsible for monitoring and initiating sponsor invoicing on milestone driven projects
Prepare and/or submit requests for journal entries as needed
Meet with faculty and research staff as necessary
Advise and assist faculty, fellows, and students with the submission of internal and external grant applications to federal, non-federal, and industry sponsors. Advise the Principal Investigator on the most effective way to submit a quality proposal and coordinate a timely submission process, ensuring appropriate approvals
Responsible for coordinating and independently managing the administrative research process, by assisting with the creation of complex proposals, including locating relevant materials, formatting, and editing, aiding with the preparation of multi-year budgets, preparing and assisting with budget justifications, coordinating with internal and external entities as appropriate, and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process
Coordinate the submission process, by meeting with PI to review applications, assist with budget development and provide guidance on school and sponsor guidelines
Complete UM and sponsor proposal forms as needed
Aid with review and approval of reduced indirect cost proposals and cost sharing requests
Ensure all proposals meet agency and University guidelines, published time tables, and deadlines by creating a timeline and sharing it with the PI and the research team
Facilitate obtaining required PAF approvals including participants from other UM units and/or external partners
Comply and advise regarding University and School research policies including: project budget development, accounting principles, sponsor regulations, sponsor selection, and contract terms and conditions
Assist faculty with proposal required forms such as current and pending documents and biosketch / CV. Serve as a delegate in ScienceCV for assigned faculty to assist with their CV and OS documents
Resolve and respond to general inquiries from research faculty, staff, students, departments, and vendors
Perform other duties and provide ad hoc reporting as requested
Provide cross coverage and back-up support to colleagues as needed
Represent office on institutional task forces related to research administration. Collaborate and network with peers to learn and share best practices for efficiency, effectiveness, reducing liability, etc
Participate in training and volunteer opportunities to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience
Represent the centers to other units, administrators, and outside agencies as expected within the responsibilities of the position
Qualification
Required
Bachelor degree and a minimum of 3 years of progressive grant, contract, or an equivalent combination of related financial, billing, regulatory or business support experience. (Can be underfilled at an associate level with less than 3 years of experience.)
Knowledge of University accounting principles and applications is necessary
Knowledge of University and sponsored research policies, rules and regulations
Knowledge or experience in working in ScienceCV, Research.gov, eRA Commons, Grants.gov
Intermediate/advanced skills or experience with the use of Excel and Word
Must have a demonstrated ability to prioritize, complete tasks in a timely manner, and work under pressure of multiple deadlines
Ability to work professionally and effectively with various levels of staff, management, and faculty
Must possess problem solving skills and exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail
Must have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
Ability to identify issues, investigate and resolve discrepancies
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent verbal and written skills necessary in order to communicate intricate job-related processes to internal and external customers
Preferred
Demonstrated experience with university business tools such as Business Objects, MPathways, M- Reports, Concur, and procurement
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification
Experience preparing federal proposals, contracts, or foundation grants
Benefits
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Maternity and Parental Leave
Company
University of Michigan
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.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Michigan has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (662)
2024 (594)
2023 (787)
2022 (473)
2021 (411)
2020 (324)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$359.75MKey Investors
Michigan Economic Development CorporationNational Institutes of HealthBreakthrough T1D
2025-07-17Grant· $1M
2025-06-07Grant· $1.17M
2025-04-23Grant
Leadership Team
Greg McGuire
Managing Director, Mcity
Robert Goodspeed
Chair, Urban and Regional Planning Program
Recent News
2025-12-19
IEEE Spectrum
2025-12-18
2025-12-17
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