Research Administrator II

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Division of Engineering Research (DER) seeks an experienced Research Administrator II to provide advanced pre-award support to faculty across the College of Engineering. This position plays a critical role in facilitating the development and submission of externally sponsored research proposals by partnering with principal investigators, research teams, and university stakeholders to ensure proposals are competitive, compliant, and submitted on time.

This is an off-date position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027, and may be extended by mutual agreement, contingent upon funding availability, operational needs, and satisfactory performance.

The Research Administrator II independently manages a portfolio of complex sponsored research proposals and serves as a trusted resource to faculty navigating sponsor requirements, university policies, and proposal development processes. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and possess strong analytical, organizational, and customer-service skills.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

This position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement that blends in-office and remote work. The specific arrangement will be determined by the supervisor based on departmental priorities and operational needs.

Minimum Requirements

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; one to three 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 completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Experience and Expertise

• Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in pre-award processes
• Demonstrated customer-service orientation and ability to build trust with faculty and staff
• Experience developing budgets and supporting sponsored research proposals, ideally in an academic environment
• Demonstrated expertise with a broad and complex portfolio of funding agencies, including federal sponsors, non-profit foundations, private industry, and other external entities, with the ability to interpret and apply varied sponsor-specific requirements and policies
• Knowledge of federal agency policies and research administration practices
• Experience with budget development, management, and financial analysis
• Experience managing complex, multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposal portfolios
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional, and federal regulations, including cost principles, allowability, effort commitments, cost share, and subrecipient requirements
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential or demonstrated knowledge base sufficient to be exam-ready
• Familiarity with MSU policies and procedures

Skills and Attributes

• Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment
• Commitment to process improvement, collaboration, and service excellence

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 outlining the candidate’s relevant experience
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This position is funded until 6/30/2027, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/

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 23, 2026 at 11:55 PM