Research Administrator Lead/Senior

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

A Research Administrator Lead position is available in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. This Reseach Administrator role will include all aspects of financial management for sponsored and non-sponsored research portfolios for faculty and trainees. The Research Administrator will provide budget projections, monthly account reconciliations and reporting and will work as part of a dynamic administrative team to support our cutting-edge research and educational missions. The RA will also help to develop and implement best practices and standard operating procedures related to financial management for both faculty and departmental accounts. The ideal candidate values working in a team and service-based environment, with the ability to work independently, demonstrating a high degree of resourcefulness, motivation and accountability.

Responsibilities*

• Serve as the department's Lead Research Administrator (RA) and primary subject-matter expert for faculty investigators and research staff.
• Provide strategic oversight of a complex portfolio of sponsored and non-sponsored research activities. Evaluate research administration practices and implement process improvements that promote efficient operations and compliance with departmental, school, institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with faculty to develop funding strategies, monitor financial performance, evaluate spending trends, prepare multiyear projections, and ensure responsible stewardship of sponsored, discretionary, gift, and institutional funds.
• Provide expert guidance on pre- and post-award grant administration, effort management, budget development, compliance requirements, and the interpretation and application of sponsor policies.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, reporting tools, training materials, job aids, and other resources that improve efficiency, consistency, and service delivery while reducing administrative burden for faculty and research staff.
• Lead post-award administration activities, including financial monitoring, compliance oversight, reporting, award modifications, closeout, and the resolution of complex administrative and financial matters.
• Represent the department, as appropriate, on institutional committees, working groups, and professional organizations. Contribute to the development and implementation of research administration best practices across the department and institution.
• Collaborate closely with other departmental Research Administrators and maintain an onsite presence at least one day per week to support effective engagement with the department chair, Chief Department Administrator (CDA), faculty, and staff.

Required Qualifications*

Demonstrated experience managing complex sponsored research portfolios, including federal, state, foundation, and institutional funding sources.

Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, and work in a collaborative team environment. Attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and displaying a service-oriented attitude are essential.

Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.

Research Administrator Lead: Requires a minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent educational and work experience.

Research Administrator Senior: Requires a minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent educational and work experience.

Desired Qualifications*

Demonstrated communication and presentation skills, and a willingness to counsel others on matters related to research administration. Experience with electronic proposal submission systems and the ability to generate, analyze, and clearly present data to any level within the organization.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are 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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

283974

Working Title

Research Administrator Lead/Senior

Job Title

Research Administrator Ld

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Medical School

Department

MM Microbiology and Immunology

Posting Begin/End Date

10/09/2026 - 11/12/2026

Career Interest

Research