"Research Administrator Associate"

As part of the largest College at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs more than 100 staff who provide financial, procurement, and research administration support to over 100 units. We are looking for a Research Administrator to provide financial portfolio management and budgeting support to faculty and administrators at all stages of the grant process, from pre-award preparation and submission of research and grant proposals to post-award grant administration.

Joining LSA Finance means becoming part of a collaborative community that fosters professional growth. We offer a comprehensive training program for new Research Administrators, pairing them with dedicated mentors to guide their onboarding and training.

As a Research Administrator at LSA Finance, you will play a pivotal role in our Business Offices, serving as the financial liaison between faculty and staff. Your responsibilities will include monitoring grant submissions and communicating the financial and administrative implications of successful awards to management. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues at all levels and across various University offices.

The role entails coordinating the administrative aspects of the research process for both external and internal funding. Responsibilities include assisting in proposal creation by sourcing relevant materials, formatting, and editing; supporting the development of multi-year budgets and budget justifications; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders as needed; and ensuring proposals are routed promptly through the institutional approval process.

Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include projecting and updating encumbrances, analysis of faculty accounts, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. May compile statistical, financial, accounting, or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as journal entries, vouchers, and standard transactions such as expenditures for materials, equipment, support staff, and travel. Resolve mid-size compliance-related issues and work with management on larger issues. Provide assistance to faculty with rebudgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.

Assist colleagues in the LSA business office as required, maintaining a positive approach. Ensure clear communication with faculty, LSA administrators, the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), and Sponsored Programs. Actively engage in ongoing efforts to enhance processes. Interpret and implement regulations and guidelines related to internal and external funding. Contribute to documenting best practices and procedures in research administration.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Typically, with one year of relevant research administrative experience and/or higher level financial activities. Progressive knowledge of Excel and other Office products and comfort with changing technology is essential. Collaborate effectively with co-workers and work with a heterogeneous group of customers providing excellent customer service. Attend to detail, exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities. Ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines is required. Excellence in verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.