Post-Award Research Administrator

Job Summary

The College of Pharmacy seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Administrator to manage post-award activities for a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage post-award administration for a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, including clinical research studies, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Reconcile and monitor faculty, divisional, and research accounts using University financial systems, including sponsored, general, designated, gift, and auxiliary funds.
• Review and approve expenditures to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, University Cost Accounting Standards, sponsor terms and conditions, and other applicable regulations.
• Prepare and process financial transactions, including budget allocations, appointment change requests, journal entries, and Award Change Requests (ACRs).
• Analyze project finances and prepare financial reports, federal financial reports, and other sponsor-required documentation; assist investigators with progress and administrative reporting.
• Maintain accurate financial records and data within University and College systems.
• Generate ad hoc financial analyses and reports for faculty, departments, and College leadership.
• Serve as a strategic financial resource to faculty by providing portfolio management, forecasting, and guidance on the use of sponsored and discretionary funds.
• Support the financial management of College service cores, including recharge rate development, billing activities, and financial reporting.
• Monitor and manage effort distributions for faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, trainees, and graduate students supported by sponsored projects.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and customer service within Research Administration.

Required Qualifications

• Research Administrator Senior: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Minimum of five years of experience in research administration, with demonstrated expertise in post-award management across a broad range of sponsors and funding mechanisms.
• Research Administrator Intermediate: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Three to five years of experience in research administration, with demonstrated expertise in post-award management across a broad range of sponsors and funding mechanisms.
• Research Administrator Intermediate/Senior: Proven ability to independently manage a high volume of complex awards and contracts. Strong knowledge of sponsor regulations, funding mechanisms, and university administrative procedures. Strong knowledge of UM Cost Accounting Principles. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory and policy guidance across multiple funding agencies. Proficient in conveying complex information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, to diverse stakeholders. Strategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom or Teams, and Adobe applications. Experience with university business systems such as eResearch, Business Objects, and related administrative platforms.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, including NIH, Department of Defense, foundation, industry-sponsored, and clinical research awards.
• Strong knowledge of NIH policies and post-award requirements, including salary cap administration, effort management, budget oversight, and compliance.
• Experience managing federal and non-federal awards, with knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal regulations, and sponsor terms and conditions.
• Familiarity with complex sponsored project administration, including cost sharing, subawards, and multi-project awards.
• Ability to analyze and communicate financial and administrative data effectively to faculty and leadership.
• Working knowledge of University of Michigan research administration policies, procedures, and systems, including ORSP, UMOR, FINOPS, Business Objects, M-Pathways, and Wolverine Access.

Benefits

The College of Pharmacy offers opportunities for professional growth, and the University of Michigan provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement at the discretion of the hiring department.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position is eligible for a mobile/remote work mode 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.