How to Apply

A cover letter is required and should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that directly relates to this position. Please upload your cover letter and resume into a single file.

Job Summary

Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. We offer more than 100-degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/.

As part of the largest College at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs more than 100 staff who provide financial, procurement, and research administration support to over 100 units. We are looking for a Research Administrator to provide financial portfolio management and budgeting support to faculty and administrators at all stages of the grant process, from pre-award preparation and submission of research and grant proposals to post-award grant administration.

Joining LSA Finance means becoming part of a collaborative community that fosters professional growth. We offer a comprehensive training program for new Research Administrators, pairing them with dedicated mentors to guide their onboarding and training.

As a Research Administrator at LSA Finance, you will play a pivotal role in our Business Offices, serving as the financial liaison between faculty and staff. Your responsibilities will include monitoring grant submissions and communicating the financial and administrative implications of successful awards to management. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues at all levels and across various University offices.

Flexible Work Arrangements

As part of the University of Michigan's Future Work Initiative and LSA Finance's Flexible Work Arrangements, you may work either on campus or remotely. There is a requirement to come to campus as necessary throughout the year to facilitate intentional collaboration, team building, and connections. This includes times when the project or work would benefit from on-campus presence, or when requested by the customer. Any travel planning or expenses related to coming to campus are the responsibility of the employee.

Responsibilities*

The role entails coordinating the administrative aspects of the research process for both external and internal funding. Responsibilities include assisting in proposal creation by sourcing relevant materials, formatting, and editing; supporting the development of multi-year budgets and budget justifications; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders as needed; and ensuring proposals are routed promptly through the institutional approval process.

Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include projecting and updating encumbrances, analysis of faculty accounts, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and
monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. May compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as journal entries, vouchers, and standard transactions such as expenditures for materials, equipment, support staff and travel. Resolve mid-size compliance-related issues and work with management on larger issues. Provide assistance to faculty with rebudgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.

Assist colleagues in the LSA business office as required, maintaining a positive approach. Ensure clear communication with faculty, LSA administrators, the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), and Sponsored Programs. Actively engage in ongoing efforts to enhance processes. Interpret and implement regulations and guidelines related to internal and external funding. Contribute to documenting best practices and procedures in research administration.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Typically, with three years of relevant research administrative experience and/or or higher level financial activities. Prior experience with research administration or relevant experience in a comparable environment with tight regulations and compliance requirements required.
Progressive knowledge of Excel and other Office products and comfort with changing technology is essential.
Collaborate effectively with co-workers and work with a diverse group of customers providing excellent customer service.
Attend to detail, exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.
Ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines is required.
Excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
Works independently to interpret and apply guidelines and policies including Uniform Guidance, budgeting restrictions and sponsored research policies.
Independently manage the pre-award and post-award process.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications*

Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
Knowledge of UM financial practices and processes strongly preferred.
Prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NIH, and DOE strongly preferred.
Experience with eResearch electronic PAF and proposal submission.

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.

Additional Information

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

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.