Research Administrator - School of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Employer: Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Nov 19, 2025

Position Type: Administrative, Academic Affairs, Research Administration, Business & Administrative Affairs, Financial Affairs, Grants & Contracts

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

Advertising Summary:

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Duties & Responsibilities:

As a member of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) fiscal team, the Research Administrator will be responsible for providing direct pre and post award management to support PM&R and Center for Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering (CERSE). The Research Administrator will independently provide comprehensive pre- and post-award management for a complex and diverse portfolio of sponsored projects. Applies advanced knowledge of university, state, and federal research administration policies. Advises faculty and leadership on financial and administrative strategies. This position provides an opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with potential for career growth in the field of Research Administration for those presenting a willingness to learn and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty and staff.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and minimum of 1 year of research administration experience
• Candidates must possess skills or ability to acquire new skills in the following areas: analyze financial transactions for trends and variances; create reports, tracking tools, and professional documents; budget development; expense forecasting; financial reconciliation; ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms; pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
• Must have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be precise, thorough, and reliable and perform daily activities with minimal supervision.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers with an ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease.
• Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in research administration in the areas of proposal development, financial management, effort reporting, and project close-out, including a working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards.
• Certification in Research Administration; such as a CRA designation.
• Prior experience in administrative and financial management in an academic setting (to include a working knowledge of state/university purchasing, travel, personnel administration policies and procedures).
• General understanding of IRB and IACUC policies pertaining to regulatory requirements in animal and human research.

Position will remain open until filled.

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon the availability of funds.

Salary Range: Up to $53,000/commensurate with experience

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

University Job Title: 34124N - Assoc Research Administrator 1