What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Administrator III position at Michigan State University College of Engineering?
Position Summary
The College of Social Science is seeking a Research Administrator to support the research enterprise by providing advanced post-award grant administration services. As a member of the College’s Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives, you will provide comprehensive post-award support to academic units, centers, and institutes.
Key Responsibilities
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; five to eight 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 Essentials of Research Administration at MSU Certificate series or equivalent.
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field; experience in research administration within an academic or university setting, particularly in complex or high-volume environments; advanced financial analysis and sponsored project budgeting experience; demonstrated leadership competencies; strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with Michigan State University policies, procedures, and Enterprise Business Systems; experience managing or supporting unit or college-level budgets; ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative approach.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
This position is “remote friendly” with the expectation of on-campus presence on a regular basis. This is typically referred to as hybrid; with the flexibility of regular remote work mixed with in-office work as mutually agreed upon with supervisor.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends June 2, 2026, 11:55 PM
The College of Social Science is seeking a Research Administrator to support the research enterprise by providing advanced post-award grant administration services. As a member of the College’s Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives, you will provide comprehensive post-award support to academic units, centers, and institutes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex, high-volume, and diverse sponsored research projects and contracts.
- Ensure all expenditures are allowable, allocable, and reasonable, maintaining compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies and procedures.
- Review and reconcile award finances, performing financial projections and forecasting to advise Principal Investigators (PIs) on spending patterns, personnel cost, and indirect cost allocations.
- Process financial transactions, including invoice payments and cost redistributions. Coordinate with PI(s) and departments to meet cost-sharing commitments.
- Manage subcontracts including sub-recipient spending, serving as the primary point of contact for external partners and internal offices.
- Coordinate the setup of new awards, manage amendments (e.g., no-cost extension, re-budgeting), and handle project closeouts.
- Coordinate sponsor approval requests by collaborating with the contracts and grants office to ensure compliant award changes.
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; five to eight 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 Essentials of Research Administration at MSU Certificate series or equivalent.
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field; experience in research administration within an academic or university setting, particularly in complex or high-volume environments; advanced financial analysis and sponsored project budgeting experience; demonstrated leadership competencies; strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with Michigan State University policies, procedures, and Enterprise Business Systems; experience managing or supporting unit or college-level budgets; ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative approach.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Name and contact information for 3 professional references
This position is “remote friendly” with the expectation of on-campus presence on a regular basis. This is typically referred to as hybrid; with the flexibility of regular remote work mixed with in-office work as mutually agreed upon with supervisor.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends June 2, 2026, 11:55 PM