Arizona State University

Research Administration Specialist

Arizona State University$70K — $100K *
Tempe, AZ 85281In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
  • Experience in project management within academic and research contexts.
  • Familiarity with geospatial AI and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Skills in mentorship, particularly with graduate students, on professional topics.
  • Proficiency in software for reporting and content creation, notably Microsoft Office and Adobe products.
  • Experience with project management tools such as Slack and GitHub.

Responsibilities

  • Develop operational strategies for complex, interdisciplinary projects.
  • Set objectives and deadlines to ensure project progression.
  • Design and implement lab-wide operational systems to enhance efficiency.
  • Monitor project deliverables and coordinate budgeting processes.
  • Track funding opportunities and manage grant proposal timelines.
  • Support student development and co-supervise research teams.
  • Manage communication and dissemination of lab outputs effectively.

Benefits

  • Health and wellness programs supporting employee wellbeing.
  • Flexible work arrangements promoting work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities for career growth.
  • Collaborative work environment within a leading research lab.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and research partnerships.
Full Job Description

Job Profile:

Research Administration Specialist 4

Job Family:

Research Administration

Time Type:

Full time

Max Pay – Depends on experience:

$100,000.00 USD Annual

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Responsible for collaborating with faculty and researchers in managing complex aspects of proposal development, development of financial resources and programs, and ensuring compliance with university policies.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000; DOE

The Kerner Lab at Arizona State University, led by Professor Hannah Kerner, is seeking a Research Administration Specialist to lead the operational and strategic coordination of a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary machine learning and remote sensing projects. The lab works at the intersection of AI, Earth and planetary science, and real-world deployment, partnering with organizations such as NASA, FEWS NET, and industry collaborators to translate research into impact.

The Kerner Lab focuses on advancing the foundations and applications of machine learning to foster a more sustainable, responsible, and fair future for all. The lab is conducting research projects in machine learning for remote sensing, algorithmic bias, and machine learning theory. The lab works closely with diverse partners such as NASA Harvest, NASA Acres, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), and Taylor Geospatial to translate research advances into real progress in applied projects and operational systems. The Kerner Lab’s research and applied activities are supported by numerous grants from public and private organizations, including NSF, NASA, and Schmidt Sciences.

Essential Duties:

Project management / operations [60%]

  • Develop and implement operational strategies for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders (academic researchers, academic partners, industry partners, government agencies, students, etc.), especially in the area of geospatial AI

  • Advance and ensure project progress by setting objectives and deadlines in collaboration with research team and stakeholders, including providing recommendations on how to improve project operations

  • Design, suggest, and implement lab-wide operational systems, templates, and workflows to continuously improve lab efficiency and scalability

  • Monitor project progress and deliverables;

  • Coordinate with Research Advancement team to propose, implement, and manage project budgets and financial goals in accordance with lab grants and costs

  • Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track and forecast project budgets, burn rates, and financial risks

  • Coordinate with Research Advancement and PI to oversee project reporting and ensure timely submission of deliverables to sponsors

  • Build, maintain, and manage relationships with partners while promoting and highlighting the benefits of technological innovation

Proposal development and support [20%]

  • Coordinate with Research Advancement team to support grant application processes for funding from government agencies and private sector organizations

  • Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track funding opportunities and manage proposal timelines and submissions

Co-supervise research team alongside lab PI [15%]

  • Identify students’ needs involved in various projects, and develop and execute strategies to fulfill those needs

  • Implement and monitor structured project management practices for students (e.g., sprint planning, milestone tracking)

  • Monitor and support student progress toward research and professional goals

Lab visibility / communications [5%]

  • Coordinate dissemination of lab outputs (e.g., website, reports, media, partners)

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience working in academic and research environments

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks and deadlines effectively, as well as help others improve their project management and prioritization

  • Comfortable in an interdisciplinary role working with different types of partners with varying levels of technical and domain expertise

  • Experience mentoring students, especially graduate students, on non-technical topics such as professional development, time management, presentation and writing skills, etc.

  • Proficiency in reporting and content creation software including Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, Adobe, Canva, Mailchimp, and generative AI tools

  • Proficiency with project management tools such as Slack, GitHub, Notion, etc.

Working Environment:

  • Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended period of sitting.

  • This position involves regular use of a computer and standard office equipment. Occasional lifting, moving, or transporting of materials up to 20 pounds may be required.

  • Working both independently and within a complex structured team. 

  • Normally receives no instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments with review of completed tasks.

  • Exercises judgment within generally defined practices & policies in selecting methods & techniques for obtaining solutions.

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: Tempe

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Jobs Hub.

Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.

https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$22248.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

  • Cover letter

  • Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with its main campus in Tempe, Arizona. It is one of the largest public universities in the United States by enrollment. ASU offers degree programs in more than 800 areas of study, including over 250 undergraduate majors and more than 120 graduate programs. ASU is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities ? Very high research activity". ASU's athletic teams are called the Sun Devils and compete in the Pac-12 Conference. ASU has multiple campuses throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, with four regional campuses and several extension centers.
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