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.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
Become a key contributor to groundbreaking Robotics research by joining our team as a Lead Research Administrator. In this pivotal role, you will report directly to the Unit Administrator and manage a complex portfolio of pre- and post-award activities for an assigned set of Robotics faculty members.
Beyond individual portfolio management, the Lead Research Administrator serves as the operational point person and mentor for the unit's research administration team. Act as the primary technical resource for the RA team by triaging daily inquiries, resolving operational complications, and managing the escalation of complex issues appropriately. This role is vital in establishing technical best practices, standardizing workflows, and fostering a collaborative, positive team culture aligned with the department's broader organizational goals. This position offers significant growth potential, providing an excellent runway for a high-performing individual to transition into a formal Research Administration Manager role as the department expands.
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.
Responsibilities*
Team Leadership, Operational Support, and Process Improvement (30%)
Provides technical leadership and mentorship to research administrators, serves as a resource for complex research administration issues, supports departmental operations through data analysis and reporting, develops and improves administrative processes, and serves as a liaison between faculty, the College of Engineering, and central University offices.
Pre-Award Research Administration (30%)
Partners with faculty to prepare and submit complex sponsored research proposals, develops proposal budgets and supporting documentation, ensures compliance with sponsor and University policies, and manages proposal approvals and research agreements through institutional and sponsor systems.
Post-Award Research Administration and Financial Management (40%)
Provides comprehensive financial management for sponsored projects, gift funds, and startup accounts; monitors budgets and expenditures; advises faculty on financial planning and compliance; coordinates grant-funded personnel appointments and effort reporting; manages award lifecycle activities; and ensures adherence to University, federal, and sponsor regulations.
Required Qualifications*
For the Lead Level:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Seven (7) or more years of progressive grant, finance, and contract research administration experience in an academic setting.
For the Senior Level:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five (5) or more years of progressive grant, finance, and contract research administration experience in an academic setting.
Core Skills & Competencies (Both Levels):
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise with Excel/Google Sheets, financial management systems (M-Reports, M-Pathways, Business Objects), and eResearch Proposal Management.
- Sponsor Knowledge: Demonstrated experience managing complex portfolios involving major federal agencies (e.g., NSF, DoD, DoE) and foundation/industry contracts.
- Professional Skills: Exceptional critical thinking, strict attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proven ability to prioritize competing deadlines under tight regulatory constraints.
- Communication & Collaboration: Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a dedicated customer-service orientation and a proven track record of working respectfully and collaboratively within a team environment.
Desired Qualifications*
- 10+ years of comprehensive, progressive research administration experience.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering peer training or technical mentorship.
- Knowledge and application of project management best practices in a changing organizational landscape.
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 of the selected candidate.
Senior-Level Anticipated Salary Range: $85,000 - $92,000
Lead-Level Anticipated Salary Range: $94,000 - $103,000
Final salary offers will be commensurate with the selected classification level and candidate qualifications
Additional Information
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.
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.