Research Administrator Lead

How to ApplyA 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.Who We AreAt Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.Job SummaryThe Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Lead Research Administrator. The successful candidate will manage pre and post award activities relating to the Optics and CUOS Directors and faculty. This position reports directly to the Research Administration Senior Manager.Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.Responsibilities*FINANCIAL:Financial reconciliation, including monitoring projects to ensure expenses are appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and general funding) assigned by the Research Administration Senior ManagerForecasting all financial projects both sponsored and non-sponsoredReview project expenses to determine allowability and appropriateness including researching erroneous charges and taking corrective actionRESEARCH ADMINISTRATION:Work closely with faculty to develop, prepare and submit proposals, involving multi-site budgets, and other agreements with a variety of sponsorsDevelop itemized budgets and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include in proposal submissions ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and EECS/ECE department specific rules and regulationsTrack and oversee project financial status, provide monthly financial reports for investigatorsDBE initiation for faculty, staff and student effort for projectsFinancial monitoring such as journal entries, budget allocations, post award change requests, unfunded agreement processing, initiation sub projects, subcontracts, and monitoring and reconciling purchasing orders in the department purchasing systemFSRs and other documents to close out sponsored projectsOrganizing meetings and conferences from implementation to completion, including travel arrangements Ensuring that sponsor guidelines for expenses and reporting are being metTaking and distributing minutes and following up on action itemsAssisting and drafting ad hoc reports required by faculty, sponsor or Research Administration Senior ManagerOTHER:Other duties as assignedCoverage for the team as needed, including reimbursements, packages, and schedulesAssisting with purchasing approvals, as neededRequired Qualifications*Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience7+ years of progressively responsible experience in related position or an accounting background/experienceFamiliarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects.Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needsProven ability to work well with others especially under pressure of deadlines.Ability to work well independently and in teamsDemonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance complianceProven ability to analyze dataExcellent interpersonal and problem-solving skillsDemonstrated initiative identifying and following through on critical tasksAbility to make independent decisionsExperience with financial management and account reconciliationExcellent communication skillsDesired Qualifications*Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheetsAbility to multitask and refocus after interruptionsDemonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions and manage change.Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of, the following federal agencies NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE, as well as experience with corporate and industrial sponsorsRAIN, Navigate certification, or equivalentCertified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not requiredWhy 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 offA retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vestingMany choices for comprehensive health insuranceLife insuranceLong-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesMaternity and Parental LeaveModes of WorkPositions 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.This position is primarily remote, however in person presence is needed for finance meetings and assisting with team coverage, when needed.Background ScreeningThe University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.U-M EEO StatementThe University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.Job Opening ID285337Working TitleResearch Administrator LeadJob TitleResearch Administrator LdWork LocationAnn Arbor CampusAnn Arbor, MIModes of WorkMobile/RemoteFull/Part TimeFull-TimeRegular/TemporaryRegularFLSA StatusExemptOrganizational GroupCollege EngineeringDepartmentCoE EECS - ECE DivisionPosting Begin/End Date11/05/2026 - 11/19/2026Salary$100,000.00 - $115,000.00Career InterestResearch