Position Summary
The Office of Research Administration in the College of Education is recruiting a highly motivated and organized individual to provide administrative support to researchers in the Department of Kinesiology who are managing grants or contracts. Qualified candidates will join a dynamic team of administrators with 50+ years of combined experience. The position is part of an exciting, deadline-driven work environment with great flexibility and training.
The Office of Research Administration provides pre- and post-award grant support for three College of Education departments at Michigan State University (Kinesiology; Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education; and Educational Administration). We offer a supportive and flexible work environment focused on work-life balance, while maintaining a complex workload under sponsor-driven deadlines. We are recruiting an individual to fulfill the role of Research Administrator II on our post-award team supporting the Department of Kinesiology, reporting to the Director of the Office of Research Administration. Opportunities to cross-train in pre-award may be possible, depending on workload.
General job functions will include independently performing post-award functions for investigators in the Department of Kinesiology; Assisting investigators respond to sponsor requests for additional information at the just-in-time (JIT) stage; Working with investigators to manage project aspects (budget, reporting, Institutional Review Board (IRB), etc.); Working with Human Resources to hire and manage project staff; Assist faculty, staff, and students with effort reporting; Serving as a liaison between sponsor/funding source and research team as necessary; Organizing and maintaining electronic research records; Training researchers, faculty, and administrators on the application of appropriate regulations; Conducting highly competent review of awards for compliance with policies and regulations; Assisting other research administrators and project staff in ensuring compliance with research guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies; Identifying problems and/or inconsistencies and recommending corrective actions to project personnel as appropriate; Communicating policies and procedures to faculty and staff; Balancing multiple assignments and delivering quality analysis under time-constrained deadlines; Participating in required training and professional development opportunities in the field of research administration; Assisting with report-writing as needed; and other projects as assigned. Cross-training in pre-award administration may be available depending on workload and interest.
Qualified candidates will be highly organized and self-motivated as well as able to balance multiple tasks and deliver high-quality analysis within sponsor deadlines. Individuals will be expected to build rapport with faculty, departmental staff, and central pre-award, post-award, and compliance offices; have a strong sense of ownership and accountability for their work; and exercise excellent independent judgment. Work location for the position is flexible. Occasional after-normal-business-hours as well as weekend administrative, educational, and training events may be required.
Research Administration at MSU: https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/RA+Recruiting+Video/1_zj4mrhxx
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business administration, Finance, or a research-related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration including the area of pre- or post-award processes, or related field such as regulatory administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.
Desired Qualifications
Completion of Essentials in Research Administration training within one year of hire; experience in administering research projects in an academic environment; extensive experience with Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience in database management and data/financial analysis; background in science or business course work; a self-starter whose strengths include creative thinking and problem solving, teamwork, and ability to work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and stressful deadline-oriented environment; experience in the administration of grants and contracts; experience in interpreting federal agency policies, including those of NIH, NSF, and DOD; knowledge of University policies and procedures.
