Research Administration Professionals

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research, driving a revolution in understanding and treating cancer. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

About the role

MSK is seeking Research Administration Professionals to support a growing portfolio of sponsored research activities across Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) and clinical departments. These roles will serve as key partners to Principal Investigators (PIs) and Institutional Research Administration teams, supporting federal, state, industry, foundation, and privately funded research grants and contracts. Positions are available across pre-award, post-award, and integrated research administration functions.

Successful candidates will be aligned to a portfolio based on departmental and institutional needs and may support pre-award, post-award, or the full grant lifecycle. Appointment level (Associate Research Administrator, Research Administrator, or Sr. Research Administrator) will be based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Principal Investigators and research teams to support research administration activities throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of application forms and required administrative documents; guide proposal strategy, timelines, and submission progress.
• Assist with the preparation, review, submission, and administration of grant proposals, contracts, and sponsored research applications.
• Develop budgets, budget justifications, financial reports, and support documentation in accordance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Provide financial oversight of assigned research area, partnering with investigators and central offices on spending strategies and long-term financial sustainability.
• Monitor sponsored project expenditures and support financial management activities to ensure appropriate use of funds and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Reconcile financial activity, investigate discrepancies, and support corrective actions as needed.
• Assist with forecasting, effort reporting, payroll allocations, purchasing, invoice processing, subaward administration, and award management activities.
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and institutional policies to support compliant research administration practices.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, Research Financial Management, Grants and Contracts, departmental leadership, and external sponsors.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with sponsor, regulatory, and institutional requirements.
• Support process improvement initiatives that enhance research administration services and operational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience required; or 7–10 years of directly related research administration experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience supporting sponsored research administration, grants administration, financial management, research operations, or related activities in an academic, healthcare, government, nonprofit, or research environment.
• Knowledge of pre-award, post-award, or integrated research administration principles preferred.
• Experience supporting federal, state, foundation, industry, or privately sponsored research programs preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with financial, reporting, or research administration systems preferred.
• Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Tableau, Cognos, or similar platforms is a plus.

Skills

• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build trusted relationships with investigators and stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance and financial stewardship.
• Ability to interpret policies, analyze information, and develop practical solutions.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement mindset.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Hybrid work arrangement.

Pay

Pay range: $62,600.00 – $148,400.00. Final title and compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration. FLSA status: Exempt.

Benefits

MSK offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay reflecting job responsibilities, experience, and skills. MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment.