Research Administrator II

Position Summary

The College of Social Science is seeking a Research Administrator to support the research enterprise and provide primarily post-award grant administration services to researchers in the College with some pre-award duties as needed in the College.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Grants/Contracts Post-Award Administration Services

Serves as a member of the College’s Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives providing post-award research administration support to academic units, centers and institutes within the College of Social Science. Responsible for the administration, monitoring, and financial management of complex projects in accordance with applicable federal, state, local, and university policies, procedures, and regulations; provides support with post-award administration of grants, contracts, clinical trials and PI initiated clinical research and trials; guide investigators by reviewing the award budget status; assists with the preparation of interim and final financial and technical reports; examines project financials and budgets for accuracy and reports discrepancies to immediate supervisor and investigator; processes project account closeout activities; develops final financial reports, assists with analysis of project logistics as required, and notifies immediate supervisor and investigator of concerns; tracks progress of invoices, payments and subcontract and sponsor communication through the lifecycle of the grant/contract.

Grants/Research Pre-Award Services

In periods of high demand in the College, the individual may be asked to provide pre-award research administration support; provides pre-award grant assistance to academic units, centers and institutes within the College of Social Science including project review; budget development; submits research proposals in KR Research Administration system. Conducts reviews of applications for compliance with regulations; coordinates the implementation and provision of research compliance process components including conflict of interest reporting; assists PIs and unit administrators in ensuring compliance with research guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies; identifies problems and/or inconsistencies and recommends corrective actions to project personnel as appropriate. Coordinates communication with PIs, co-Investigators, other units in the College and University, and OSP to ensure appropriate approvals and a timely submission process.  Provides other supportive processes and communications with involved regulatory and administrative departments/units.  Coordinates with other institutions on subaward/subrecipient setup for a timely proposal submission process.  Coordinates sub-recipient communication. Pursues continuous education to stay current on research administration policies and procedures for MSU as well as external funding agencies.

Other duties as assigned by Senior Associate Dean or Associate Director of the Office for Research and Strategic Initiatives in the College of Social Science.

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; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration including the area of pre- or post-award processes, or related field such as regulatory administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire. 

Desired Qualifications

Three to five years of research administration experience in an academic department or university setting; three to five years’ experience in financial or accounting practices; demonstrated leadership competencies, strong critical thinking, financial and analytical skills; excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; knowledge of Michigan State University’s business policies and procedures; experience with Michigan State University’s Enterprise Business Systems; experience working on college and/or university budgets; certified in Michigan State University’s Essentials of Research Administration; strengths should include a dynamic yet collaborative approach and excellent problem-solving, oral/written communication, and organizational skills; ability to work independently.

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

Special Instructions

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

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 December 3, 11:55 PM