How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Job Summary
The University of Michigan is leading a multi-million dollar, multi-university technology institute supported by the United States Space Force. The goal of this institute is to develop and demonstrate next-generation technology for space propulsion and power. The institute is seeking qualified candidates passionate about space technology research to serve as a Lead Research Administrator for this cutting-edge institute. As a Lead Research Administrator, you will be based in the aerospace engineering department and will work closely with the institute leader of this effort, carrying out a wide range of financial and research administration duties. You will maintain your own complex pre-and post-award portfolio while identifying, participating, and leading process improvement opportunities.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Responsibilities*
The Lead Research Administrator is responsible for coordinating the administrative research process for proposal submissions (pre award) and the detailed financial management of sponsored funds (post award). This position provides in-depth financial analysis and recommendations of pre and post award activities for the institute director. This position will lead and participate in continuous process improvement efforts and will support other team members as needed.
Institute-level activities include, but are not limited
- Administering post-award for a $35 M institute effort on advanced power and propulsion with multi-subcontractors
- Tracking milestones and milestone reimbursements. Ensuring milestone reimbursements are distributed on a timely basis
- Tracking compliance with contractual requirements
- Interfacing with subcontractor research administrators
- Interfacing with the principal investigator on a weekly basis to reconcile budgets and project plan
- Preparing quarterly reports on expenditures
Pre award activities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting the institute director in development, preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals.
- Preparation of complex budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation to meet sponsor and University requirements.
- Reading, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with all applicable sponsor and University proposal requirements and deadlines.
Post award activities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of UM and sponsor funds, reviewing, and monitoring financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability.
- Meeting regularly with assigned faculty to discuss project planning, and personnel effort including in-depth financial analysis with projections.
- Working closely with faculty, human resources, and student services to ensure staff and student appointments are timely.
- Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising faculty and leadership on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action.
- Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting leadership of any areas of concern.
Other duties as assigned include, but not limited to:
- Providing back-up support for the research administration team.
- Actively identifying, participating, and leading process improvement activities.
Required Qualifications*
- Funding source requires U.S. citizenship
- Lead: Bachelor's degree with seven (7) or more years of progressive grant, finance and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Senior: Bachelor's degree with five (5) or more years of progressive grant, finance and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated excellent critical thinking, attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to respectfully work with a diverse group of colleagues.
- High level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology.
- Knowledge and application of project management best practices (this includes deadline management, attention to detail, prioritization).
Work Schedule
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work; however, this position has an expected recurring onsite presence of one day per week in person onsite in the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Building located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Senior level salary range is anticipated to be $82,000-$91,000. Lead level salary range is anticipated to be $91,000-$100,000.
Additional Information
Candidates who are not currently employed at the College of Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus. College of Engineering candidates for whom this position represents a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus.
This is a five (5) year term-limited position through November 30, 2029 with possible renewal based on funding extension.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.