"Research Administrator 3 (RA3)"

The Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery are seeking a highly motivated Research Administrator 3 (RA3) to support our faculty Principal Investigators (PIs) as they seek external research funding. This position is focused on pre-award administration, and this individual will play a critical role in advancing the departments’ research enterprise. This role requires a high degree of professionalism, sound independent judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs, prioritize and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing clinical research and clinical trial proposals.

This individual will serve as a resource expert, managing the preparation of complex research proposals, including grants, contracts, program projects, and cooperative agreements involving multiple PIs, multiple subaward sites, and varied cross-school initiatives. The role also offers opportunities to mentor staff and lead process improvement projects. This individual should have a passion for supporting research, thrive on complexity, and possess exceptional attention to detail. They must be adept at multitasking and bring a resourceful and collaborative approach to the work. Excellent communication skills are essential in order to effectively advocate for PIs within Stanford’s multifaceted academic and medical community.

Duties include:

• Prepare complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; resolve issues relating to proposal preparation and submittal process.
• Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification; obtain cost sharing commitment and support. Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries; advise of new regulations.
• Interpret complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
• Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross campus projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
• Oversee, supervise, train and mentor other staff.
• Serve as a resource on subject area to principal investigator staff.

* - Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification.
• Complex proposal preparation experience in an academic environment.
• Experience managing multiple projects and timelines in a dynamic research setting.
• Experience preparing clinical research and clinical trial proposals.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of sponsored project guidelines and the research regulatory environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree and five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, A-21, A-110, A-133, CAS).
• Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
• Strong knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
• Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.
• Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

• Cardinal Curriculum I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
• Certified Research Administrator, MBA, project management certification, or similar credential desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
• Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Requisition #: 108265
Post Date: Feb 19, 2026

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. The expected pay range for this position is $87,249 to $124,491 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.