Research Administrator

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.

Summary

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is a joint academic department with reporting lines to the College of Engineering and the Medical School. The dual-school environment includes a growing faculty roster within both schools, a large and increasing collaborative research portfolio, multi-building research facilities, innovative instructional programs at all academic levels, and a focus on research translation and entrepreneurship. BME is pursuing strategic goals to establish enhanced connections within and beyond both schools. By launching shared facility cores to enable faculty success in research and providing an educational experience for undergraduate students through Ph.D. candidates, BME strives to best prepare graduates for the multitude of career options at the interface of engineering, life sciences, and medicine.

Candidates for the role of Research Administrator will be highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a solid background in research administration. The successful candidate will manage pre and post-award activities.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students, and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation's number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission, and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise, and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission, and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture, and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Michigan Medicine Medical School seeks to transform health through bold and innovative education, discovery, and service. To recruit, develop, and retain the best faculty, staff, and learners who work together for the greater good. To create transformative knowledge that advances science and improves health. To cultivate a learning community that engages all in bold and innovative education for the advancement of science, health, and healthcare delivery.

To deliver outstanding patient care and improve health for local, national, and global populations while caring for each other. To engage and collaborate with our institutional, local, state, national, and global communities to advance health and science.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

• Advises the Principal Investigator on the most effective way to achieve an effective, quality proposal and coordinates a timely submission process, ensuring appropriate approvals.

• Develops project timelines based upon proposal requirements; submits requests for no-cost extensions or other extensions as needed; manages the proposal submission process.

• Ensures compliance/oversight by monitoring budgets and spending, approving capital equipment requisitions, and providing guidance and counsel for the stewardship of sponsored research funds.

• Maintain appropriate communications with faculty, BME, Michigan Engineering, and Medical School administrators, ORSP and Sponsored Programs. Responsible for interpreting regulations and guidelines of internal and external funding.

• Responsible for coordinating and independently managing the administrative research process, by assisting with the creation of complex proposals, including locating relevant materials, formatting, and editing, providing assistance with the preparation of multi-year budgets, preparing and assisting with budget justifications, coordinating with internal and external entities as appropriate, and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process.

• Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include independently projecting and updating encumbrances, faculty portfolio analysis, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability.

• May compile complex financial information pertaining to such matters as journal entries, vouchers, and standard transactions such as expenditures for materials, equipment, support staff, and travel.

• Resolve mid-size compliance-related issues and work with management on larger issues, act as a resource for research administrative staff on complex issues.

• Advise faculty on best practices for post-award management, including assistance with budgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Candidates at the Intermediate level:

• 3 - 5 years of experience in a related position.

• Candidates at the Senior level:

• 5 - 7 years of progressive experience in a related position.

• Candidates at the Lead level:

• 7 or more years of progressively responsible experience in a related position.

• Familiarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects.

• Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needs.

• Proven ability to work well with others, especially under the pressure of deadlines.

• Ability to work well independently and in teams.

• Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance.

• Proven ability to analyze data.

• Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheets.

• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated initiative in identifying and following through on critical tasks.

• Ability to make independent decisions.

• Experience with financial management and account reconciliation.

• Ability to multitask and refocus after interruptions.

Desired Qualifications*

• Advanced degree at the Senior or Lead level.

• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions, and manage change.

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Work Schedule

The Michigan Engineering Office of Biomedical Engineering operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This position will have the option of a remote work schedule to be negotiated on hire. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/