Pre-Award Research Administrator

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of complex proposals, including multi-PI, multi-institutional, and center scale submissions.
• Develop detailed budgets and budget justifications, including cost sharing, subawards, effort commitments, and compliance components.
• Interpret and apply sponsor, federal, and university policies to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and compliant.
• Advise faculty on proposal strategy, sponsor guidelines, and institutional requirements.
• Prepare and submit Just in Time materials and other sponsor requested documentation.
• Manage subaward development and negotiate subcontract terms under prime awards.
• Prepare and review agreements, including Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Unfunded Agreements, and related documents.
• Support renewal of recharge rates for the college's service cores.
• Maintain accurate records and complete data entry in university and college systems.
• Serve as liaison between faculty, sponsors, and central university offices.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within Research Administration.

Requirements

• 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 pre-award activities for federal sponsors.
• 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 pre-award activities for federal sponsors.
• Research Administrator Intermediate/Senior: Proven ability to independently manage a high volume of complex proposals. Strong knowledge of sponsor regulations, funding mechanisms, and university administrative procedures. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory and policy guidance across multiple funding agencies. 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.

Qualifications

• Preferred candidates will have experience supporting a diverse portfolio of sponsors, including NIH, Department of Defense, foundations, industry-sponsored projects, and clinical trials. Demonstrated knowledge of NIH policies and requirements, including salary cap restrictions, effort management, budget development, and compliance considerations. Working knowledge of pre-award sponsored research administration and University of Michigan research policies and procedures.

Pay

The position is eligible for a remote work arrangement at the discretion of the hiring department. The pay range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 annually.

Schedule

The position is eligible for a remote work arrangement at the discretion of the hiring department. The schedule is flexible and can be arranged to accommodate the needs of the employee and the department.

Benefits

The University of Michigan provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.