Research Administrator Senior/Intermediate

Cover letter required; attach as the first page of your resume. Address your specific interest in the position and outline relevant skills and experience.

About the role

The College of Pharmacy seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Administrator to provide comprehensive pre- and post-award research administration support to faculty, with primary responsibility for the administrative management of an NIH T32 Institutional Training Grant. This position serves as a strategic partner to faculty, trainees, sponsors, and university administrative offices throughout the full award lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• NIH T32 Training Grant Administration
  • Independently manage all administrative aspects of an NIH T32 Institutional Training Grant from award setup through closeout.
  • Coordinate trainee recruitment, appointments, reappointments, terminations, stipend payments, tuition support, benefits, and effort in accordance with NIH and institutional policies.
  • Monitor trainee eligibility, appointment periods, effort, and compliance requirements.
  • Prepare and submit trainee appointments and related documentation in xTrain and eRA Commons.
  • Coordinate annual progress reports (RPPRs), trainee tables, institutional reporting, and other sponsor-required deliverables.
  • Manage post-award activities including award setup, financial monitoring, prior approvals, rebudgeting, effort management, reporting, no-cost extensions, and closeout.
  • Serve as the primary administrative liaison between program leadership, trainees, faculty mentors, NIH program officials, and university administrative offices.
  • Advise faculty and trainees regarding NIH training grant policies, trainee eligibility, appointments, stipend levels, and institutional requirements.
  • Assist program leadership with documentation necessary to support successful competitive renewals.
• Sponsored Research Administration
  • Lead and coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of complex research proposals, including multi-PI, multi-institutional, and center-scale submissions.
  • Develop detailed budgets and budget justifications, including cost sharing, subawards, effort commitments, and compliance requirements.
  • Interpret and apply sponsor, federal, state, and university regulations to ensure proposals and awards remain accurate and compliant.
  • Prepare Just-in-Time submissions and other sponsor-requested documentation.
  • Manage subaward development and coordinate subcontract administration under prime awards.
  • Prepare and review research-related agreements, including Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Data Use Agreements, and other research agreements.
  • Serve as liaison between faculty, sponsors, trainees, and university administrative offices.
  • Maintain accurate records and complete data entry in department and university business systems.
  • Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the Research Administration Office.

Qualifications

• 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- and post-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- and post-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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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- and post-award sponsored research administration and University of Michigan research policies and procedures.

Benefits

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

Schedule

This position is eligible for a mobile/remote work mode at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change.