Senior Research Administrator

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. A cover letter is required to be considered for this position. In the cover letter, please let us know how this position will align with your career aspirations and skills. Please also include 2 writing samples. Submit the cover letter, resume, and writing samples as one file (because of system limitations).


Job Summary

You will serve as a crucial team member in a new U-M initiative, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) . You will handle various timelines and responsibilities associated with a variety of sponsors in both pre- and post-award activities, with a particular knowledge of federal grant and internal University of Michigan guidelines. Ability to achieve a high level of multitasking and prioritizing to concurrently manage multiple awards with varying degrees of complexity. You will independently manage the pre- and post-grant award administrative processes.

You will be part of the Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations team reporting to UMCI's Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships and Development and work with other teams within and across UMCI to provide grant-related administrative support across the center. Working as a senior research administrator at UMCI will provide you with the rather unique experiences of working for U-M in the Detroit ecosystem, supporting faculty and staff who are engaged in Master's level education, workforce development, and world-class K-12 STEAM instruction, as well as advancing regional job creation and innovation strategies.

Click here to view the full job description.


Responsibilities*

• Pre-Award Activity (60%):
  • Oversee the grant submission process, from initial start and decision making to final submission, including coordination and preparation of necessary documentation, budget development, application, and timelines for various components of proposals
  • Review sponsor guidelines and accurately interpret solicitation requirements for application with university policies
  • Advise leadership and investigators on all aspects of proposal development, including sponsor requirements, complex multi-site budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation
  • Ensure proposal information is accurate and complete including all needed supporting documentation, and complies with sponsor terms, UMCI Detroit, University policies/procedures and relevant federal regulations or other requirements before routing through the eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) system
  • Coordinate proposal requirements with additional internal and external participants, as well as interact and coordinate with appropriate U-M research office staff. Maintain confidential information when needed
  • Support writing and materials development for grant submission
• Post-Award Activity (35%):
  • Provide proactive, high-level financial oversight for a portfolio of grants and contracts, performing monthly reconciliations and forecasting financial viability over the long term
  • Monitor expenditures for allowability and compliance with university and sponsor rules, such as federal Uniform Guidance
  • Review and reconcile awards across cost share and sponsored research funds using MReports, Business Objects, and other tools; analyze and prepare recommendations for needed journal entries and PAR transactions, track and record encumbrances, coordinating with accounting and HR for processing. Prepare monthly reports with revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances, manage subcontracts, subprojects, and process post-award changes and closeouts. Advise the Associate Director and principal investigators (PIs) on financial strategy and potential issues
  • Manage standard reports and requests for financial information from the sponsor, sponsored programs, and subcontract sites, along with processing any sponsor carry forward/no cost extension requests
  • Review of invoices and timely billing
• General Duties (5%):
  • Contribute to process improvements at UMCI
  • Other general duties, as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years progressive grant and contract administration experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Expertise in pre- and post-award management, with knowledge of federal guidelines

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

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 .


Work Locations

This position may work remotely or choose to work in the Detroit UMCI office. If working remotely, individuals will be required to come to campus as needed for training, meetings, team building, and to foster intentional collaboration.


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 any time 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

283041

Working Title

Senior Research Administrator

Job Title

Research Administrator Sr

Work Location

Other MI Location

Detroit, MI

Modes of Work

Mobile/Remote


Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Um Ctr Innov Detroit

Department

UM Ctr Innovation in Detroit

Posting Begin/End Date

9/15/2026 - 10/02/2026

Salary

$82,000.00 - $90,000.00

Career Interest

Research