Pre-Award Research Administrator I

Pre-Award Research Administrator supporting investigators with basic grant applications to federal, state, and local funders.

Responsibilities

• Reviews requests for proposals from sponsors independently and with supervision to determine submission requirements and method of submission; communicates requirements to faculty researchers.
• Supports investigators with grant applications, including developing compliant project budgets, refining budget justifications, and gathering documents specified by proposal guidelines.
• Assembles documents for proposal submission in a variety of online portals.
• Coordinates with university colleges, departments, and staff to ensure timely proposal submission in alignment with MSU proposal deadline policy; monitors and obtains required approvals.
• Ensures appropriate indirect cost rates are used in project budgets.
• Works with faculty to implement accurate credit splits.
• Gathers and reviews documents from research administrators at other institutions for proposals involving sub-recipients.
• Serves as a liaison between Sponsored Programs Administration and faculty/other institutions to communicate policies and procedures.
• Performs other reasonable duties as assigned within the scope of this job classification.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a research-related field.
• Up to six months of related and progressively responsible work experience in research administration (pre- or post-award processes, regulatory administration).
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Skills

• Basic knowledge of grants, grant writing, and/or grants management.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with professional colleagues and faculty.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple proposals in a fast-paced environment.
• Reading comprehension to understand and implement policy documents and guidelines.
• Knowledge and application of MSU and college policies to maintain compliance and reduce risk.
• Flexibility to adapt to new assignments, changing regulations, and procedures.
• Teamwork: follows procedures for seamless work transitions, communicates respectfully, and ensures task coverage during absences.
• Attendance and punctuality: adheres to work schedule, policies, and supervisory directives.

Desired Qualifications

• Essentials of Research Administration or equivalent research administration certificate.
• Experience with Kuali Research System.
• Experience developing budgets.

Schedule

Standard 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Remote Work

This position is remote-friendly, with some or all duties performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.