Research Administrator

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) seeks an experienced research administrator to perform duties related to sponsored pre- and post-award activities. This position requires a proactive individual who will approach the work with a customer service orientation. The research administrator will report to the Finance Manager and will work collaboratively with the Research Admin team for ME. 

Mechanical Engineering allows Research Administration staff to work primarily remote schedules.  The applicant needs to be a resident of the state of Michigan.

Pre-Award Research Administration:

Assist departmental faculty and researchers with proposal submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors ensuring deadlines are met. Activities include but are not necessarily limited to: 

• Developing budgets and budget justifications including coordinating cost-share requests and assisting with IDC waiver requests when needed
• Reviewing and adhering to proposal submission guidelines
• Facilitating or completing sponsor forms
• Preparing Proposal Approval Forms
• Preparing and maintaining documents for submission packages including preparing just-in-time requests
• Serve as liaison for faculty with College of Engineering and University central offices (i.e. Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP)

Post-Award Research Administration:

• Review assigned project/grants in a variety of funds including general, gift, recharge, and sponsored research using MReports, Business Objects and other tools. This includes reviewing financial transactions.
• Projecting and updating encumbrances
• Faculty portfolio analysis including monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. Alert project directors and administration to areas of concern. Make recommendations and take actions to resolve issues. Responsible for ensuring adherence to various sponsored research and university policies and procedures.
• Prepare monthly reports, illustrating revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances
• Respond to requests for financial information from sponsors.
• Review and facilitate Financial status reports (FSRs) and complete Uniformed Guidance (UG) Reports with Sponsored Programs.
• Prepare journal entries as required.
• Assist with financial progress reports.
• Work with faculty to ensure students are fully funded each term.
• Work with faculty to ensure offset requirements are met.
• Participate in continuous process improvement efforts.
• Help document best practices and procedures for research administration.

Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a minimum of 1 year of experience in grant administration or higher-level financial activities is required, as is prior experience with contract and grant administration or relevant experience in a comparable environment with tight regulatory and compliance requirements.  Excellent communication skills are required. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment, along with attention to detail and dependability are essential.

Three-plus years of progressively responsible grant management experience.  Previous experience with the U-M eResearch Proposal Management system. Previous experience with data mining in MPathways, Business Objects, and other complimentary systems is desired.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. There are three levels possible - Associate, Intermediate and Senior.  The salary range for the three levels is $56,000 - $97,000.  The salary offered will be commensurate with level of position.  A higher salary may be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate.