Pre-Award 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.

Job Summary

The College of Pharmacy seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Administrator to support faculty in the development, preparation, and submission of research proposals and contracts. This position focuses primarily on pre-award activities and works closely with post-award colleagues to ensure continuity across the award lifecycle, including progress reports and other sponsor requirements.

The Research Administrator reports to the Director of Research Administration and serves as a strategic partner to faculty, sponsors, and university offices. The College of Pharmacy offers opportunities for professional growth, and the University of Michigan provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. This position is hybrid with required onsite presence in Ann Arbor as needed in accordance with college policy.

Responsibilities*

• Lead and coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of complex proposals, including multi-PI, multi-institutional, and center scale submissions.
• Develop detailed budgets and budget justifications, including cost sharing, subawards, effort commitments, and compliance components.
• Interpret and apply sponsor, federal, and university policies to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and compliant.
• Advise faculty on proposal strategy, sponsor guidelines, and institutional requirements.
• Prepare and submit Just in Time materials and other sponsor requested documentation.
• Manage subaward development and negotiate subcontract terms under prime awards
• Prepare and review agreements, including Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Unfunded Agreements, and related documents.
• Support renewal of recharge rates for the college's service cores.
• Maintain accurate records and complete data entry in university and college systems.
• Serve as liaison between faculty, sponsors, and central university offices.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within Research Administration.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in research administration, with demonstrated expertise in pre-award activities for federal sponsors.
• Proven ability to independently manage a high volume of complex proposals.
• Strong knowledge of sponsor regulations, funding mechanisms, and university administrative procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory and policy guidance across multiple funding agencies.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom or Teams, and Adobe applications.
• Experience with university business systems such as eResearch, Business Objects, and related administrative platforms.
  
  
  

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.

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.