Job Details

This ad is expired.

Research Administrator Senior / Intermediate
Go to our website »

Position Number: 1787073
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Position Type: Business - Finance

Research Administrator Senior / Intermediate

Job Opening ID: 183494
Work Location: Ann Arbor Campus
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
FLSA Status: Exempt
Organizational Group: College Engineering
Department: Aerospace Engineering
Posting Begin/End Date: 1/23/2020 2/06/2020
Salary: $57,000.00 $75,000.00
Paid Time Off:
Career Interest: Research

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 Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks an experienced Research Administrator to support our vibrant and highly recognized research program by performing a wide range of financial and research administration duties. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research administration with an interest in collaborative process improvement, and career development. The Research Administrator will report to the Research Administration Manager and will work collaboratively with the Aerospace Research Administration Team.

About Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Aerospace Engineering commits to: excellence, leadership, and collaboration in research and education; to service-based leadership at the Institute, national, and international levels; to a passion for air and space vehicles and systems, the technologies that enable them, and the missions they fulfill; and finally, to the personal and professional development of Department faculty, staff, and students.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan currently has 18 staff members, 28 tenured and tenure-track faculty members with approximately 343 undergraduate and 207 graduate students (107 PhD and 100 MSE/SGUS). The University of Michigan's Aerospace Engineering Department is the first collegiate aeronautics program in the United Statesstarted in 1914, with more than 6,000 aerospace engineers graduated over the past 100 years. Instructional and research areas include: gas dynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and controls, and space systems. Our annual research expenditures are approximately $16 million and we submit approximately 140 proposals per year. Our funding comes from a diverse range of sources, including industry and national funding agencies such as National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DoE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Defense (DoD): Army, Navy, Air Force.

College of Engineering's Mission Statement

Michigan Engineering's vision is to be the world's preeminent college of engineering serving the common good. This global outlook, leadership focus and service commitment permeate our culture. Our vision is supported by a mission and values that, together, provide the framework for all that we do. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The Michigan Engineering component of the University's comprehensive, five-year, DEI strategic planalong with updates on our programs and resources dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, fair and inclusive environmentcan be found at: www.engin.umich.edu/...lege/about/diversity.

Responsibilities*
The Aerospace Research Administrator is responsible for expert coordination of the administrative research process for proposal submissions (pre-award) and the detailed management of sponsored funds (post-award). This position provides in-depth analysis and recommendations of pre- and post-award activities for an assigned set of faculty members. The Research Administrator participates in continuous process improvement efforts and supports other team members as needed. In addition, the Research Administrator will assist with the management of department funds (e.g. discretionary, gift, designated, auxiliary) and other tasks as assigned. Hours may occasionally include evenings and weekends, if necessary, to meet deadlines. This position predominately performs activities and makes decisions independently.

Pre-award activities include, but not limited to:

Comprehensive coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submissions, as appropriate, with internal and external entities
Close communication with faculty, staff, and students for proposal planning
Preparation of complex budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation to meet sponsor and University requirements
Reading, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements and deadlines
Preparing the University's Proposal Approval Form (PAF) and Unfunded Agreements (UFA) in eResearch and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process
Entering proposal data and forms into sponsor systems (e.g. NSF Fastlane, NASA NSPIRES, Grant.Gov, etc.)

Post-award activities include, but not limited to:

Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of University and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members
Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, staffing matrices, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios
Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues; alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern

General fund activities include, but not limited to:

Providing complete financial management, oversight, and recommendations to assigned faculty funding portfolios including start-ups, research incentives, equipment, and gift funds
Reviewing and monitoring financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability
Completing departmental journal entries as requested/needed

Other duties as assigned include, but not limited to:

Training new research administrators on department, College, University and sponsor guidelines for compliancy and development of job skills
Maintaining up-to-date training in relevant M-Pathways modules, Business Objects, and other U-M tools and resources
Attending College and University Research Administration meetings and workshops to remain informed of changing federal, sponsor, and U-M requirements, policies, and procedures
Providing back-up support for the research administration team to assist faculty and students with pre- and post-award issues as needed
Actively participating in process improvement

Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience, plus a minimum of three or more years in grant administration or higher-level financial activities in a comparable environment with strict regulatory and compliance requirements; demonstrated excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills; the ability to respectfully work with a diverse group of colleagues; ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University and sponsor guidelines and policies; high level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology; demonstrated ability to work independently and also collaborate effectively as part of a team; ability to follow projects through to completion and meet high work standards; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities; strong attention to detail; ability to function productively in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment; must be supportive of, and participate in, change initiatives to improve service, efficiencies and/or productivity; excellent attendance and dependability are essential.

Desired Qualifications*
Five or more years of experience in grant administration; Certified Research Administrator (CRA); knowledge of University financial practices and processes; familiarity and experience with University administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, MReports, eResearch, and Concur; prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NASA, DoD and DoE; familiarity with grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, and NSF Fastlane.

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 $57,000 - $75,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with level of position.

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/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

To apply, visit https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/183494/research_administrator_senior_intermediate