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.


Who We Are

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state of 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 Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) seeks an experienced research administrator to perform pre- and post-award activities related to sponsored research. This position is being filled at the Research Administrator Intermediate, or Senior level, with placement based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be a proactive, customer service-oriented professional who works collaboratively with the Mechanical Engineering Research Administration team and reports to the Finance Manager.

Mechanical Engineering allows Research Administration staff to work primarily remote schedules. The selected candidate must be a resident of the state of Michigan.


Responsibilities*

Pre-Award Research Administration:

Assist departmental faculty and researchers with proposal submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors ensuring deadlines are met. Activities include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Developing budgets and budget justifications including coordinating cost-share requests and assisting with IDC waiver requests when needed
• Reviewing and adhering to proposal submission guidelines
• Facilitating or completing sponsor forms
• Preparing Proposal Approval Forms
• Preparing and maintaining documents for submission packages including preparing just-in-time requests
• Serve as liaison for faculty with College of Engineering and University central offices (i.e. Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP)

Post-Award Research Administration:

• Review assigned project/grants in a variety of funds including general, gift, recharge, and sponsored research using MReports, Business Objects and other tools. This includes reviewing financial transactions.
• Projecting and updating encumbrances
• Faculty portfolio analysis including monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. Alert project directors and administration to areas of concern. Make recommendations and take actions to resolve issues. Responsible for ensuring adherence to various sponsored research and university policies and procedures.
• Prepare monthly reports, illustrating revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances
• Respond to requests for financial information from sponsors.
• Review and facilitate Financial status reports (FSRs) and complete Uniformed Guidance (UG) Reports with Sponsored Programs.
• Prepare journal entries as required.
• Assist with financial progress reports.
• Work with faculty to ensure students are fully funded each term.
• Work with faculty to ensure offset requirements are met.
• Participate in continuous process improvement efforts.
• Help document best practices and procedures for research administration.

The candidate will ideally spend 50% on pre-award and 50% on post-award. However, this is subject to the candidate's experience and strengths, and the needs of our team.


Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must possess grant and contract administration experience commensurate with the level of the position:

• Research Administrator Intermediate: 3-5 years
• Research Administrator Senior: 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience

Excellent communication skills are required. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment, along with attention to detail and dependability are essential.


Skills You Have

Ability to interpret and communicate Department, University, and Sponsor guidelines and policies. Demonstrated experience with multi-project financial review and analysis, with the ability to track and project financial activity and commitments. Knowledge of U-M financial practices and processes strongly preferred. Prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, DOD and DoE strongly preferred. Mastery of Excel and ability to adapt to changing technology is essential. Must have the ability to work in a team environment, collaborate effectively with co-workers, and provide excellent customer service. Ability to organize and synthesize complex information about particular financial aspects, resulting in clear and comprehensive summaries. Candidates will need to exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards, as well as the ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines. Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills is essential. Demonstrated experience in the use of Business Objects and M-Pathways.


Desired Qualifications*

Three-plus years of progressively responsible grant management experience. Previous experience with the U-M eResearch Proposal Management system. Previous experience with data mining in MPathways, Business Objects, and other complimentary systems is desired.


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

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. There are two levels possible - Intermediate and Senior. The salary range for the two levels is $68,000 - $97,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with level of position. A higher salary may be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate.


Background Screening

The 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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The 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 Detail

Job Opening ID

281200

Working Title

Research Administrator

Job Title

Research Administrator Sr

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Mobile/Remote


Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

CoE Mechanical Engineering

Posting Begin/End Date

8/12/2026 - 8/26/2026

Salary

$68,000.00 - $97,000.00

Career Interest

Research