How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) is consistently ranked as the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country. Our interdisciplinary team of instructional and research faculty are at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, nuclear security and defense, and plasmas for water treatment. NERS research impacts space exploration, radiation for medical treatment, and more. We are a tight-knit community of researchers, students, and support staff aiming to advance the benefits of nuclear, radiological, & plasma technology to improve society in the 21st Century. The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan has an opening for a full-time Research Administrator.
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.
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.
Responsibilities*
The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan has an opening for a full-time Research Administrator. The job duties for this position include:
Pre-award activities (30%)
- Provide assistance to departmental faculty and researchers with proposal submissions through eResearch Proposal (Award) Management system, or direct sponsor websites (grants.gov, research.gov, neup.gov, NSPIRES, etc)
- Prepare budgets and all other required sponsor forms, according to solicitation guidelines, for proposals being submitted by NERS faculty and research staff.
- Facilitate the preparation of IDC waiver requests, and/or cost-share requests.
- Make sure all proposals meet agency and University guidelines, published timetables, and deadlines.
- Ensure accuracy of data in eResearch prior to routing for appropriate approvals.
- Run queries to assist faculty and staff with the preparing of Current and Pending support documents, mainly SciENcv.
Post-award activities (60%)
- Efficiently and effectively monitor expenditures on sponsored and non-sponsored projects, providing faculty/staff with recommendations for adhering to sponsor approved budget allocations.
- Review and reconcile monthly activity using departmental shadow system, resolving issues independently, reporting areas of concern to project directors and administration.
- Request sub project grants, re-allocation of funds, request item types, and make other changes/requests as necessary.
- Track and manage cost share commitments, requesting cost share transfers each fiscal year if necessary.
- Initiate set up of subcontracts, approving concurrence reports, and tracking expenses for adherence to budgetary guidelines.
- Prepare post award change requests, providing necessary justifications to the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) for appropriate processing.
- Assist in the enforcement of various sponsored research policies and procedures, and resolve inquires as needed.
- Track outstanding account receivables, reporting items of concern to the Department and College.
- Prepare and/or submit requests for journal entries as needed.
- Work with Sponsored Programs on the preparation of annual and/or final FSR and UG Reports in a timely manner.
- Submit necessary effort changes, working with department Unit Administrator and HR staff.
- Communicate with faculty to obtain Graduate Student funding short codes before the start of each term.
- Monitor financial activities for a user facility, including updating recharge rates annually.
- Meet with faculty and research staff as necessary.
General Activities (10%)
- Reconcile discretionary accounts for faculty, provide support for various departmental accounts.
- Perform other duties and provide ad hoc reporting as requested.
- Collaborate and network with peers to learn and share best practices for efficiency, effectiveness, reducing liability, etc.
- Participate in training and volunteer opportunities to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience.
- Represent the department to other units, administrators, and outside agencies.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus a minimum of three years experience in grant administration or higher-level financial activities.
- Prior experience with contract and grant administration or relevant experience in a comparable environment with tight regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Ability to interpret and apply guidelines and policies including UG budgeting restrictions and University sponsored research policies.
- Knowledge of U-M financial practices and processes.
- Prior experience with federal funding agencies such as DHS, NSF, and DoE.
- Expertise in Excel and ability to adapt to changing technology is essential.
- Must have the ability to work in a team environment, collaborate effectively with co-workers, and provide excellent customer service.
- Candidates will need to be very detail oriented, exhibit sound judgment, follow through to completion, and meet high work standards.
- Ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines is a must.
- Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communications skills is essential.
- Demonstrated experience in the use of Business Objects and M-Pathways is also required.
Modes of Work
The mode of work for this position is MOBILE/REMOTE. 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 of the selected candidate.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.