Research Administrator

We are seeking a Research Administrator to join the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. The department provides evaluation, treatment, and care for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and migraine through inpatient, outpatient, and specialized centers. Our faculty lead NIH- and VA-funded research on genetics, brain imaging, biomarkers, and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as clinical trials for new therapies.

About the role

This position involves significant managerial responsibilities, including overseeing research administration staff, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and managing the full lifecycle of grants and contracts. The role requires subject-matter expertise, strategic planning, and operational leadership to align departmental goals with institutional priorities. The Research Administrator will have wide latitude in decision-making and will recommend financial, personnel, and strategic actions for senior approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert direction for a team of research administration staff, balancing pre-award proposals and post-award activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and UMB policies.
• Develop and implement policy statements, annual project plans, and the department’s research strategic plan in alignment with UMB priorities.
• Manage the preparation, review, and submission of grant and contract budgets and applications, including validation of proposals and guidance on funding mechanisms.
• Review, interpret, and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines, interacting directly with sponsors to clarify terms, request extensions, or secure supplemental funding.
• Track faculty grant histories, success rates, and provide historical perspectives to support future submissions.
• Administer the lifecycle of research budgets, from initiation through closeout, including financial transactions, sub-awards, and audits to ensure proper spending and timely completion.
• Identify and resolve issues independently, anticipating roadblocks and developing criteria for grant and contract reviews.
• Consult with Principal Investigators (PIs) to translate program requirements into contract terms, ensuring measurable performance criteria.
• Develop safeguards to protect the University from financial losses and ensure sub-award compliance.
• Define partnerships and establish review criteria to distinguish vendors from subcontractors.
• Interpret financial data to prepare reports for analysis, forecasting, and trending, and devise financial reporting tools.
• Model and train staff on consultative problem-solving and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible research administration experience, with at least four (4) years in full lifecycle research administration.
• One (1) year of supervisory or team coordination experience preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Completion of a 12-credit Research Administration graduate certificate may substitute for one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Financial disclosure reporting required by the State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of research administration requirements, regulations, and laws.
• Proficiency in applicable technology and systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to support and align with a mission-driven strategic vision.
• Instructional, training, and team-building skills to foster relationships.
• Consultation and change management expertise.
• Commitment to UMB’s core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (selection required upon hire).
• Generous paid leave: over 4 weeks of vacation annually, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal days, and unlimited sick leave accrual.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (where applicable).

Pay

$101,500 - $116,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.

All employees are expected to work primarily within the State of Maryland.