Post-Award Research Administrator

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The College of Pharmacy seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Administrator to work closely and proactively with faculty and others to manage their financial portfolios, including grant, contract, and research discretionary accounts, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, efficiency, and timely processing of transactions. This position focuses primarily on post-award activities and works closely with pre-award colleagues to ensure continuity across the award lifecycle, including progress reports and other sponsor requirements.

The Research Administrator reports to the Director of Research Administration and serves as a strategic partner to faculty, sponsors, and university offices. The College of Pharmacy offers opportunities for professional growth, and the University of Michigan provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement at the discretion of the hiring department.

Responsibilities*

• Manage post-award administration for a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, including clinical research studies, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Reconcile and monitor faculty, divisional, and research accounts using University financial systems, including sponsored, general, designated, gift, and auxiliary funds.
• Review and approve expenditures to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, University Cost Accounting Standards, sponsor terms and conditions, and other applicable regulations.
• Prepare and process financial transactions, including budget allocations, appointment change requests, journal entries, and Award Change Requests (ACRs).
• Analyze project finances and prepare financial reports, federal financial reports, and other sponsor-required documentation; assist investigators with progress and administrative reporting.
• Monitor and manage effort distributions for faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, trainees, and graduate students supported by sponsored projects.
• Serve as a strategic financial resource to faculty by providing portfolio management, forecasting, and guidance on the use of sponsored and discretionary funds.
• Support the financial management of College service cores, including recharge rate development, billing activities, and financial reporting. Generate ad hoc financial analyses and reports for faculty, departments, and College leadership.
• Maintain accurate financial records and data within University and College systems.
• Act as a liaison among faculty, sponsors, and central administrative offices to facilitate effective post-award management and issue resolution.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and customer service within Research Administration.

Required 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 post-award management across a broad range of sponsors and funding mechanisms.

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 post-award management across a broad range of sponsors and funding mechanisms.

Research Administrator Intermediate/Senior:

• Proven ability to independently manage a high volume of complex awards and contracts.
• Strong knowledge of sponsor regulations, funding mechanisms, and university administrative procedures.
• Strong knowledge of UM Cost Accounting Principles.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory and policy guidance across multiple funding agencies.
• Proficient in conveying complex information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, to diverse stakeholders.
• 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 sponsored projects, including NIH, Department of Defense, foundation, industry-sponsored, and clinical research awards.
• Strong knowledge of NIH policies and post-award requirements, including salary cap administration, effort management, budget oversight, and compliance.
• Experience managing federal and non-federal awards, with knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal regulations, and sponsor terms and conditions.
• Familiarity with complex sponsored project administration, including cost sharing, subawards, and multi-project awards.
• Ability to analyze and communicate financial and administrative data effectively to faculty and leadership.
• Working knowledge of University of Michigan research administration policies, procedures, and systems, including ORSP, UMOR, FINOPS, Business Objects, M-Pathways, and Wolverine Access

Modes of Work

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 at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.