Project Administrator

About the role

The Topp Lab at MSU is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and proactive Project Manager to support the successful execution of N-SYNC, a large-scale, multi-institutional research project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E. The N-SYNC project brings together a multidisciplinary team across multiple U.S. institutions to develop plant genetic and biological solutions that synchronize nitrogen supply and demand in corn agriculture, reduce synthetic nitrogen inputs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining yield.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a central point of contact for the Project PI, co-PIs, collaborating institutions, and administrative teams.
• Coordinate project activities across institutions, including gene editing pipelines, field experiments, nurseries, and associated research operations.
• Coordinate development and submission of required DOE/ARPA-E reports, including the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO), quarterly reports, and annual progress reports.
• Track milestones, deliverables, and timelines, monitoring progress across collaborating institutions.
• Process and manage USDA permits and related regulatory documentation.
• Oversee project budget expenditures in collaboration with post-award and finance staff.
• Coordinate project communications and meetings, including organizing workshops, seminars, and leadership meetings, and preparing meeting materials.
• Support outreach, stakeholder engagement, and industry partnership activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or related fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in program or project management, with a preference for experience in research, science, or academic settings.
• Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired in a four-year college degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or related fields; three to five years of related and progressively more expansive work experience in program or project management, with a preference for experience in research, science, or academic settings; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or similar).

Skills

• Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific activities into clear plans and reports.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, milestones, and deliverables across diverse teams.
• Experience with budget tracking and grant management processes.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, SharePoint).
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions.

Schedule

Standard 8-5.

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.