Job Summary
The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) seeks a Research Administrator Lead/Senior to support our vibrant and highly recognized research program by performing a wide range of financial and research administration duties. The ideal candidate will have a background in research administration with an interest in collaborative process improvement and career development. The Research Administrator Lead/Senior will report to the Unit Administrator and will perform other administrative functions for the students, faculty and staff in the department.
Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.
Mission Statement
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. 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.
Who We Are
The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NA&ME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 25 faculty and 11 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control, and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. Our Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin continues to serve as a vital resource for our department. NA&ME's externally sponsored research expenditures have averaged around $10 million annually in the past five years.
Responsibilities*
The Lead/Senior 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 an assigned set of NA&ME faculty members. This position participates in continuous process improvement efforts and supports other team members as needed. This position predominately performs activities and makes decisions independently.
Pre-award activities include, but not limited to:
- Comprehensive coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submissions, as appropriate, with internal and external entities.
- Close communication with faculty, staff, and students for proposal planning.
- 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 requirements and deadlines.
- Preparing the University's Proposal Approval Form (PAF) and Unfunded Agreements (UFA) in eResearch and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process.
- Entering proposal data and forms into sponsor systems (e.g. Research.gov, NASA NSPIRES, Grant.gov, etc.).
Post-award activities include, but not limited to:
- Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of University and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members.
- Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management.
- Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action.
- Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, staffing matrices, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios.
- Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues; alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern.
General fund activities include, but not limited to:
- Providing complete financial management, oversight, and recommendations to assigned faculty funding portfolios including startups, research incentives, equipment, and gift funds.
- Reviewing and monitoring financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability.
Other duties as assigned Include, but not limited to:
- Maintaining up-to-date training in relevant M-Pathways modules, Business Objects, and other U-M tools and resources
- Attending College and University Research Administration meetings and workshops to remain informed of changing federal, sponsor, and U-M requirements, policies, and procedures
- Providing back-up support, training and mentoring for the research administration team to assist faculty and students with pre- and post-award issues as needed
- Actively participating in process improvement
Required Qualifications*
- 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, communication, and interpersonal skills
- The ability to respectfully work with a diverse group of colleagues
- Ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University and sponsor guidelines and policies
- High level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology
- Familiarity with University administrative and business tools, including Business Objects, M-Reports and eResearch
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and also collaborate effectively as part of a team
- Ability to follow projects through to completion and meet high work standards
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities; strong attention to detail
- Ability to function productively in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment
- Must be supportive of, and participate in, change initiatives to improve service, efficiencies and/or productivity
- Excellent attendance and dependability are essential
Desired Qualifications*
- Knowledge of University financial practices and processes
- High level of proficiency with University administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, MReports, eResearch, and Chrome River; prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NASA, DoD and DoE; familiarity with grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, and Research.gov.
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 - $90,000. Lead level salary range is anticipated to be $90,000 - $103,000.
Additional Information
Candidates who are not currently employed at the College of Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1500 sign-on bonus. College of Engineering candidates for whom this position represents a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1500 sign-on bonus.
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.