Robotics Research Administrator Ld/Senior

About the role

Become a key contributor to groundbreaking Robotics research by joining our team as a Lead Research Administrator. In this pivotal role, you will report directly to the Unit Administrator and manage a complex portfolio of pre- and post-award activities for an assigned set of Robotics faculty members. Beyond individual portfolio management, the Lead Research Administrator serves as the operational point person and mentor for the unit's research administration team.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership, Operational Support, and Process Improvement (30%): Provides technical leadership and mentorship to research administrators, serves as a resource for complex research administration issues, supports departmental operations through data analysis and reporting, develops and improves administrative processes, and serves as a liaison between faculty, the College of Engineering, and central University offices.
• Pre-Award Research Administration (30%): Partners with faculty to prepare and submit complex sponsored research proposals, develops proposal budgets and supporting documentation, ensures compliance with sponsor and University policies, and manages proposal approvals and research agreements through institutional and sponsor systems.
• Post-Award Research Administration and Financial Management (40%): Provides comprehensive financial management for sponsored projects, gift funds, and startup accounts; monitors budgets and expenditures; advises faculty on financial planning and compliance; coordinates grant-funded personnel appointments and effort reporting; manages award lifecycle activities; and ensures adherence to University, federal, and sponsor regulations.

Required Qualifications

• For The Lead Level: Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Seven (7) or more years of progressive grant, finance, and contract research administration experience in an academic setting.
• For The Senior Level: Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five (5) or more years of progressive grant, finance, and contract research administration experience in an academic setting.

Core Skills & Competencies (Both Levels)

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise with Excel/Google Sheets, financial management systems (M-Reports, M-Pathways, Business Objects), and eResearch Proposal Management.
• Sponsor Knowledge: Demonstrated experience managing complex portfolios involving major federal agencies (e.g., NSF, DoD, DoE) and foundation/industry contracts.
• Professional Skills: Exceptional critical thinking, strict attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proven ability to prioritize competing deadlines under tight regulatory constraints.
• Communication & Collaboration: Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a dedicated customer-service orientation and a proven track record of working respectfully and collaboratively within a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of comprehensive, progressive research administration experience.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering peer training or technical mentorship.
• Knowledge and application of project management best practices in a changing organizational landscape.