"Research Administrator / Finance Analyst"

Research Administrator / Finance Analyst

Posted: 19-Dec-25

Location: Stanford, California

Type: Full-time

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 107952

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

This position is based on Stanford's main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here.

The Department of Energy Science and Engineering combines theory, experiment, and simulation to transform the global energy system in order to sustain the people and the planet.

For more information, please click here.

The Department is seeking a full-time Research Administrator 3 who will play an integral role in managing highly complex faculty financial portfolios, including all aspects of research administration, both pre- and post-award; gift and discretionary accounts; and industrial affiliate programs for a subset of our department faculty.

The RA3 is a key member of the department's finance team and will need to possess the following characteristics: detail oriented; excellent communicator; willing team player; proactive and resourceful. The ideal candidate will be experienced in managing research awards and budgets, as well as multiple priorities and deadlines. If you are highly motivated and up for a challenge, this position may be the right career opportunity for you!

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Manage the proposal preparation and post-award activities for a large volume and diverse set of complex federal and non-federal sponsored research projects, at times involving multiple sub-awards, principal investigators, and/or cross-school initiatives.
• 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 the proposal preparation and submission 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.
• Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled, initiate cost transfers.
• Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
• Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create forecasting models, scenarios, and decision aids.
• Manage contract closeout process and audit inquiries.
• Interpret complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsor guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
• Manage comprehensive financial portfolios, provide periodic status reports and budget projections, perform year-end close tasks, and make recommendations for spending strategies.
• Manage Industrial Affiliate Programs. Serve as liaison between the corporate representatives and the program directors. Prepare annual invoices, agreements, and program renewals; monitor budgets and approve expenses.

* - The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, Uniform Guidance, 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.
• Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctoral fellows, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants, along with the circumstances appropriate for each type of position.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• 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 and Licenses:

• Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
• Certified Accountant or Auditor, MBA, project management certification, or similar credential desired.

In addition, our preferred qualifications include:

• Degree in accounting and grants management experience at Stanford University and/or in higher education strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Stanford University systems and policies

The expected pay range for this position is $121,639 to $142,078 per annum.

How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4483
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: I
• Requisition ID: 107952
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible