Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
NONAC3813
Job Title
Senior Research Administrator
Position Title
Senior Research Administrator
Position Type
Non-Faculty
Number of vacancies
1
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Department
Sponsored Rsch Admin
Position Summary
Summary
The Senior Research Administrator provides advanced, independent leadership across complex pre- and post-award sponsored research activities. This role manages high-risk, high-dollar, and institutionally sensitive awards and proposals, serves as a subject matter expert for complex sponsor requirements, and acts as a trusted advisor to faculty, department leadership, and central offices. The Senior Research Administrator operates with minimal supervision and is expected to anticipate risk, resolve escalated issues, and mentor less experienced staff.
Core ResponsibilitiesAdvanced Post-Award Oversight (80%)
• Independently manage a complex portfolio of sponsored projects, including large-scale, multi-year, multi-PI, center, training, clinical, and cooperative agreement awards.
• Provide expert-level oversight of cost allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency under OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Lead financial risk management for awards with cost sharing, program income, clinical trial activity, participant support, and carryforward restrictions.
• Conduct proactive financial forecasting, burn-rate analysis, and scenario planning with PIs to prevent deficits and late-stage corrections.
• Resolve complex post-award issues, including cost transfers, retroactive adjustments, sponsor prior approvals, and audit inquiries.
• Oversee complex subrecipient monitoring, including risk assessments, invoice escalations, corrective actions, and coordination with GMO/OSP.
• Lead award closeout for complex projects, ensuring timely, accurate final financial reports and documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.
Advanced Pre-Award Leadership (10%)
• Lead pre-award development for complex, high-value, and high-risk proposals (e.g., NIH multi-project grants, P50/P30, U-series, NSF centers, foundations, industry-sponsored research).
• Develop complex budgets and budget justifications involving multiple institutions, cost sharing, foreign components, clinical costs, and regulatory considerations.
• Interpret and apply nuanced sponsor guidelines, special award terms, and policy exceptions.
• Advise PIs strategically on proposal structure, budget strategy, and sponsor expectations.
• Coordinate and lead internal reviews for complex submissions, ensuring alignment with institutional risk tolerance.
• Other duties as assigned.
Systems, Process Improvement & Mentorship (10%)
• Serve as a senior subject matter expert for research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, financial reporting tools).
• Identify systemic issues and recommend process improvements to reduce risk, rework, and cycle times.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Research Administrators and junior staff on complex cases.
• Develop advanced job aids, decision trees, and training content for complex pre- and post-award scenarios.
• Partner with the Operational Compliance Manager to ensure consistent application of SOPs and internal controls.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications:- Advanced degree or equivalent experience
- Experience in sponsored research administration in an academic, medical, or research environment
- Knowledge of federal regulations (NIH, NSF, OMB Uniform Guidance) - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise judgment, and work collaboratively across teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:- CRA, CPRA, CFRA certification or equivalent preferred
Closing Date
01/15/2027
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment in this role may be contingent upon extramural funding and successful performance and may be terminated or reduced in percentage of appointment if such funding is not secured or ceases to be available.
Quick Link
https://careers.msm.edu/postings/24617
Job Duties
