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
We are seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Research Administrator at the senior level. This position will be responsible for pre-award and post-award activities in the department of Health Management and Policy in the School of Public Health. This position requires the ability to manage shifting priorities, multitask, and a proactive individual who will approach the work with a customer service orientation.
Responsibilities*
Pre-award research administration
Independently manage all aspects of the pre-award process with federal and non-federal sponsors including, but not limited to:
- Review, accurately interpret, and effectively disseminate sponsor guidelines to the Principal Investigator (PI) and other stakeholder
- Create and develop, in partnership with PI, required proposal documents such as the budget, budget justification, and facilities
- Manage proposal submissions using UM's internal platform "eRPM" and sponsor platforms such as NIH's grants.gov, the State of Michigan's EGrAMS, and other platforms used by federal and non-federal sponsors
- Advise the PI on best practices to achieve an effective, quality proposal
- Interface and liaise with other departments and offices throughout UM and with external institutions to ensure timely submissions of complete and correct proposals
- Review applications for compliance with sponsor, university, school and department policies, guidelines and timelines.
- Produce & maintain regularly required proposal documents such as biosketches and other support
Post-award research administration
- Independently manage all aspects of the post-award process including, but not limited to:
- Reconcile sponsored research projects using university-provided systems (MReports, Business Objects) and departmental and other tools to ensure appropriate use of funds and adherence to university and sponsor regulations; prepare monthly reports with revenue, encumbrances, and projected balance; investigate and initiate changes as necessary to comply with all relevant guidelines
- Process setup of new awards, internal subawards, external subcontracts, consulting agreements, and cost share accounts
- Monitor and process changes on project personnel effort following relevant internal and external policies and minimizing retroactive changes
- Perform required project closeout actions including review and resolution of UG (uniformed guidance) and FSR (financial status) reports
- Work with PI and UM's sponsored research office (ORSP) to process post-award changes, carryforward requests, budget allocations; initiate subcontracts and amendments, extensions, and submit all required reports
- Advise PI on best practices for post-award management, such as forecasting, cost-sharing, and effort reporting
Other:
- Collaborate with peers within the department, school, and university to ensure best practices for responsible financial management are followed
- Problem-solve with other Research Administrators and the Department Administrator to support all aspects of the sponsored program life cycle
- Act as a resource within the Department on technical aspects of the sponsored program life cycle
- Maintain up-to-date training in relevant M-Pathways modules, Business Objects, M-Reports, and other UM tools and resources
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience, or equivalent combination of degree and experience
- Ability to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of responsibilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to function in a diplomatic, collaborative and customer service-focused manner with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google platform apps (Docs, sheets)
- Ability to organize, synthesize and prioritize complex information about financial aspects, resulting in clear and comprehensive summaries
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with large center grants is highly desired
- Prior experience with various federal and non-federal sponsors, systems, and guidelines is strongly preferred
- Working proficiency in UM research and financial systems, platforms, practices and processes, such as Business Objects, MReports, Emburse and other UM systems preferred, and the ability to learn new systems quickly and effectively
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequently changing deadlines, technology and practices
- Preferred experience with databases, query management tools and University systems, such as Business Objects, M-Reports, Concur, and other M-Pathways systems
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.
Work Locations
This position is eligible for hybrid work mode. The number of days required on-site will be negotiated at the time of hire for the first 6 months, and reviewed at least annually thereafter.
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 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.