Research Administrator I

Position Summary

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Administrator to join our team! This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys making a direct impact on the success of research.

The Research Administrator serves as the fiscal officer, overseeing post-award activities, including the management of research, start-up, scholarly activities, and fee-for-service accounts. This position provides critical financial support for compliance and reporting requirements by preparing reconciliations, reviewing effort reports, verifying data for university research reports, tracking income and expenses, assisting with project closeouts, forecasting and monitoring budgets, and serving as a liaison between faculty, Contracts & Grants Administration, staff, and external sponsors. As a result, this position helps shape the department’s financial strategy and ensures accurate and timely reporting.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with faculty and staff to support the department’s research administration needs while adhering to policies, best practices, and controls that advance groundbreaking research. The Computer Science Department seeks a motivated candidate with strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to think independently, strategically, and solve complex problems.

Additionally, the successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, a collaborative team player, and someone who thrives in a deadline-driven environment. Reliability, sound judgment, enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to contribute—whether by providing fiscal expertise or general office support—are key. The ability to manage multiple priorities with confidence, adapt to evolving university needs, and apply new knowledge effectively are essential to advancing faculty research outcomes and supporting the department’s overall operations.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

This position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work. The specific arrangement will be determined by the supervisor based on departmental priorities and operational needs.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Finance, or a research-related field; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in one or more of the research process areas of pre- or post-award processes, such as regulatory administration; experience in word processing, spreadsheet and database software; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. The job also requires: completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Experience using EBS/KFS/HR Payroll Systems including BI; experience working with OSP/CGA, federal, state and foundation agencies; knowledge of University policies and procedures; experience in account management, reporting and establishing accounting procedures and controls; ability to multi-task in a very fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong organizational, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills; advanced skills and experience with Microsoft Suite programs, Power BI and Adobe Acrobat.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

cse.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 18, 2025, 11:55 PM