Michigan State University · 1 day ago
Research Administrator I/II — Research Administrator II
East Lansing, MI
Full-time
Hybrid
New Grad, Entry, Mid Level
0+ years expMichigan State University is seeking a Research Administrator I/II to provide pre-award support for the development and submission of sponsored research proposals. The role involves working closely with faculty and central university offices to ensure compliance and quality in proposal submissions, with responsibilities varying by level of complexity.
EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Lead development and submission of complex, high-risk, high-dollar, and multi-investigator proposals
Develop, review, and analyze complex budgets and budget justifications
Interpret sponsor guidelines and University policies; advise investigators on proposal strategy and compliance
Coordinate multi-unit and multi-institution submissions
Serve as a subject-matter resource for faculty and staff on pre-award processes
Ensure proposal accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in a deadline-driven environment
Liaise with Sponsored Programs, Contracts & Grants Administration, MSU Business Connect, MSU Technologies, and external partners
Provide limited post-award accounting and administrative support, including budget monitoring and financial analysis
Assist with the preparation and submission of sponsored research proposals of lower to moderate complexity
Review sponsor solicitations and identify proposal requirements
Develop basic to moderately complex budgets and budget justifications
Assemble proposal documents and coordinate required approvals
Support investigators in navigating institutional policies and sponsor requirements
Work under guidance as part of a collaborative team environment
Provide limited post-award accounting and administrative support, including budget monitoring and coordination related to research accounts and student payroll
Review sponsor solicitations and ensure compliance with sponsor and University policies
Coordinate proposal submissions through Sponsored Programs and Contracts & Grants Administration
Manage multiple proposals simultaneously while balancing competing deadlines
Serve as a liaison to internal and external partners, including federal and state agencies, foundations, industry sponsors, and collaborating institutions
Communicate clearly, handle sensitive information with discretion, and build effective working relationships
Contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented work environment
Qualification
Required
Requires knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired through a four-year college degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a research-related field
Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire
To be hired as a Research Administrator II, you must have: One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in pre-award processes or an equivalent combination of education and experience
To be hired as a Research Administrator I, you must have: Up to six months of related experience in research administration or a closely related field
Experience may include exposure to pre-award or post-award processes, regulatory administration, and use of standard office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Strong analytical and organizational skills in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment
Commitment to process improvement, collaboration, and service excellence
Applications Must Include: Cover letter outlining the candidate's relevant experience, Current resume, Names and contact information of three professional references
Preferred
Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in pre-award processes
Demonstrated customer-service orientation and ability to build trust with faculty and staff
Experience developing budgets and supporting sponsored research proposals, ideally in an academic environment
Demonstrated expertise with a broad and complex portfolio of funding agencies, including federal sponsors, non-profit foundations, private industry, and other external entities, with the ability to interpret and apply varied sponsor-specific requirements and policies
Knowledge of federal agency policies and research administration practices
Experience with budget development, management, and financial analysis
Experience managing complex, multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposal portfolios
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional, and federal regulations, including cost principles, allowability, effort commitments, cost share, and subrecipient requirements
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential or demonstrated knowledge base sufficient to be exam-ready
Familiarity with MSU policies and procedures
Benefits
Hybrid Work Arrangement
Remote Work Statement
Company
Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Michigan State University 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 (163)
2024 (217)
2023 (224)
2022 (162)
2021 (121)
2020 (66)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$118.22MKey Investors
Carnegie Corporation of New YorkUS Department of EnergyDenso
2025-09-23Grant· $0.9M
2025-03-27Grant· $48.5M
2024-10-30Grant
Leadership Team
Raymond Boeman
Director, IACMI Scale-up Research Facility and Vehicle Technology Area
Stephanie Vasko
Senior Research and Innovation Consultant, MSU College of Arts and Letters
Recent News
2025-12-14
International CIO Leadership Association
2025-12-05
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