Research Administrator Sr

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Job Summary

This position requires experience to handle various timelines and responsibilities associated with a variety of sponsors in both pre- and post-award activities, with a particular knowledge of federal guidelines. Ability to achieve a high level of multitasking and prioritizing to concurrently manage numerous awards with varying degrees of complexity. Independently manage the pre- and post-award processes.

Responsibilities*

Pre-Award Activity:

  • Oversee the grant submission process, from initial start to final submission, including coordination and preparation of necessary documentation, budget development, application, and timelines for various components of proposals.
  • Review sponsor guidelines and accurately interpret solicitation requirements for application with university policies.
  • Advise faculty and investigators on all aspects of proposal development, including sponsor requirements, complex multi-site budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation. 
  • Ensure proposal information is accurate and complete including all needed supporting documentation, and complies with sponsor terms, Medical School, University policies/procedures and federal regulations before routing through the eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) system.

Post-Award Activity:

  • Provide proactive, high-level financial oversight for a portfolio of grants and contracts, performing monthly reconciliations and forecasting financial viability over the long term. Monitor expenditures for allowability and compliance with university and sponsor rules, such as federal Uniform Guidance.

  • Review and reconcile awards across cost share and sponsored research funds using MReports, Business Objects, and other tools; process journal entries and PAR transactions as needed.  Prepare monthly reports with revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances, manage subcontracts, subprojects, and process post-award changes and closeouts. Advise principal investigators (PIs) on financial strategy and potential issues.

  • Manage standard reports and requests for financial information from the sponsor, sponsored programs, and subcontract sites, along with processing any sponsor carryforward/no cost extension requests.

  • Review of invoices and timely billing.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor degree and 5-7 years progressive grant and contract administration experience, preferably within the UM setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Expertise in pre- and post-award management, with knowledge of federal guidelines.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to achieve a high level of multitasking and prioritizing to concurrently manage numerous awards, varying degrees of complexity, and meeting deadlines
  • A successful candidate will work to cultivate trust and rapport with a variety of constituents including divisional faculty and staff, department, medical school and university administration, and sponsors
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desired Qualifications*

Proficiency with financial systems, including Microsoft Excel and U-M systems like eResearch, M-Pathways, and Business Objects.

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.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.