Research Administrative & Operations Coordinator

About the Job

This position provides high-level administrative and operational support for the Department Head's active research lab, focusing on streamlining administrative processes to facilitate well-designed and effectively executed non-clinical research.

The incumbent will implement administrative policies, infrastructure, and quality standards to facilitate well-designed, properly funded, and effectively executed non-clinical research within the lab. Acting as a critical operational liaison, this role will triage tasks, manage a complex research calendar, coordinate with lab staff, handle research-related travel and dissemination logistics, and collaborate with communications teams to promote the research agenda. Work is performed under moderate supervision and guided by general procedures and professional norms.

Hybrid work schedule. 20 hours per week.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Responsibilities:

Administrative & Research Lab Coordination (45%)

• Operating Procedures: Implement and maintain administrative and operational procedures and quality standards to ensure an effectively executed non-clinical research program.
• Calendar & Triage Management: Independently manage and find solutions to routine administrative or operational lab problems using standard procedures. Monitor progress toward research milestones, triaging incoming requests, action items, and academic/research calendar commitments for the PI.
• Travel & Conference Logistics: Coordinate complex domestic and international travel itineraries, hotel accommodations, and conference registrations for the PI and visiting scholars to support research dissemination.
• Personnel Coordination: Act as a central lead for lab staff, postdocs, and graduate students; assign, schedule, and direct relevant operational work to ensure lab-wide alignment with the PIs research goals. May supervise student employees.

Research Support, Correspondence & Documentation (40%)

• Recommendation & Dossier Coordination: Manage the compilation, formatting, and tracking of recommendation letters, promotion dossiers, and professional references written by the Department Head/PI.
• Presentation & Documentation Support: Assist the PI in formatting, editing, and assembling documentation and materials for research presentations, conference keynotes, and lecture materials.
• Research Funding Support: Collaborate with the PI, faculty, and departmental stakeholders to help in generating and formatting PI documents for grant applications, and gather necessary documentation to support various research initiatives, projects, and reports as needed.

Research Support & Communications (15%)

• Communications & Marketing Collaboration: Coordinate updates regarding lab research findings, publications, and grants to the lab website. Collaborate closely with communications and marketing personnel on research-related PR items for the lab.
• Opportunity Distribution: Manage the tracking and distribution of external job, fellowship, and research opportunities to department personnel, lab staff, and students to foster academic and research growth.
• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure strict adherence with all university, federal, and ethical guidelines throughout the research lifecycle, including the administrative tracking and maintenance of IRB protocols and amendments and lab safety requirements and documents.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Demonstrated experience in an administrative support capacity is required; scientific or technical expertise is not necessary for this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a large research university setting or similar preferred (University of Minnesota experience preferred)
• Demonstrated experience managing complex schedules, travel logistics, and conference presentations
• Proven ability to find solutions to operational problems using AI, software, or other tools and re-thinking procedures to maximize efficiency where feasible

About the Department

Department Overview:

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.93 - $31.25; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.