Research Administration Director

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF program

Retirement plans

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Director of Research Administration to oversee the MIDB Request for Service system, portfolio management, and hub operations. The role leads administration, budgeting, and strategic planning, partnering with investigators and stakeholders across MIDB and the UMN community.

You will supervise research administration staff, develop data-driven dashboards, and drive process improvements to ensure

Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS with at least 8 years of experience or advanced degree with 6 years of experience and prior oversight of a small department or cross-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing large, diverse teams, including coaching, mentoring, and developing employees at different career stages.
• Experience with academic research practices, grant/protocol development, IRB processes, study design and implementation, data collection and management, and research project coordination.
• Ability to translate strategic vision into effective operational plans, priorities, and day-to-day execution.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve processes, systems, and infrastructure in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee MIDB Research Hub budgets, expenditures, revenue, cost recovery, and resource utilization.
• Lead staffing, onboarding, coaching, and career development for research administration staff.
• Develop dashboards and reporting to provide leadership with actionable information on research activity and finances.
• Coordinate cross-Hub initiatives, shared resources, and process harmonization across MIDB.
• Support strategic initiatives and collaborate with MIDB leadership on program development.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA/BS + 8 years experience

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Dashboards

Job description

About the Job

Job Code: Research Manager 2 - Clinical Research Operations/Administration 9392CA
Working Title: Director, Research Administration
Review of applicants will begin September 29, 2026

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain development across the lifespan, with a mission to set and maintain healthy trajectories for children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a multidisciplinary portfolio of Research Service Hubs that provide specialized expertise, infrastructure, technology, and research services to investigators across the University and beyond.

MIDB is seeking a Director of Research Administration to oversee the MIDB Request for Service system and project management team; coordinate cross-Hub research administration and operations; set and monitor Hub budgets and activity; develop and maintain systems for tracking and visualizing research activity and impact; and support MIDB leadership and Hub leaders in developing and executing strategic goals and long-term plans.

The position serves as a liaison between investigators and MIDB Hubs to understand project needs, identify appropriate resources and expertise, and ensure adequate infrastructure to support successful research. The position also leads the development, promotion, and continuous improvement of MIDB research services and programs, helping to build awareness of MIDB capabilities and strengthen engagement with the broader UMN research community.

Research Hub Portfolio Management (30%)

• Oversee the MIDB Request for Service system, coordinating the review, assignment, and approval of requests in partnership with the Research Administration team.
• Serve as a primary liaison between investigators and MIDB Hub leads/staff to understand project needs, identify appropriate research resources and expertise, and plan and stage projects.
• Advise investigators, as appropriate, regarding MIDB research resources, services, policies, and expertise relevant to their research objectives.
• Monitor Hub utilization, project activity, service requests, and portfolio trends; identify opportunities, gaps, and emerging needs across the MIDB research portfolio.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking research activity, project status, Hub utilization, staffing, and other operational metrics; develop dashboards and data visualizations to support decision-making and communicate program impact.
• Lead quarterly and annual reviews of Hub activity and utilization and use data to inform resource allocation, process improvements, strategic planning, and leadership decision-making.
• Foster collaboration and communication across MIDB Research Hubs and identify opportunities for shared resources, cross-Hub initiatives, and coordinated services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with investigators, research teams, institutional partners, and external stakeholders to expand awareness and use of MIDB research resources.

Research Administration, Operations, and Infrastructure (30%)

• Oversee and continuously improve operational processes supporting MIDB research services, identifying and implementing process improvements to improve efficiency, compliance, quality, and stakeholder experience.
• Lead the development, implementation, documentation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, guidelines, and standard operating procedures supporting MIDB research operations.
• Develop and maintain tools, dashboards, and other reporting mechanisms to provide leadership and Hub teams with actionable information regarding research activity, resources, finances, grantmaking, and performance.
• Lead efforts to harmonize Request for Service and project management processes across MIDB, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality.
• Manage MIDB membership processes, including member onboarding, communications, engagement, and maintenance of membership records and infrastructure.
• Support strategic communications related to MIDB research services and resources, including research intranet content, newsletters, targeted communications, and other mechanisms for communicating Hub capabilities, opportunities, and impact.
• Contribute to strategic planning and development of new MIDB programs, initiatives, and resources in response to identified needs and opportunities.
• Support the Chief Scientific Officer and MIDB Directors on strategic initiatives, special projects, and other priorities as needed.

Research Hub Staff Leadership (20%)

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to MIDB project managers and other assigned research administration staff.
• Oversee workload, work assignments, project portfolios, deliverables, and performance expectations for project management staff.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, professional development, and career support to research administration and project management staff at varying career stages.
• Lead hiring and onboarding processes for MIDB Hub staff and ensure appropriate orientation, training, and integration into MIDB operations in partnership with the MIDB Director of Administration and Operations.
• Provide indirect leadership, mentorship, and operational guidance to Hub staff as appropriate.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on operational excellence, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and strong stakeholder relationships.
• Develop and implement team structures, workflows, and tools that support effective management of a growing and increasingly complex MIDB research portfolio.

Financial and Resource Management (20%)

• Coordinate the annual development and review of MIDB Research Hub budgets in partnership with Hub leadership and MIDB finance and administrative teams.
• Monitor Hub budgets, expenditures, revenue, cost recovery, and resource utilization throughout the fiscal year.
• Coordinate mid-year budget requests, changes in resource needs, and other financial adjustments with Hub leaders and MIDB leadership.
• Identify and communicate significant budget changes, financial risks, and emerging resource needs to MIDB leadership and appropriate finance partners.
• Maintain systems for tracking Hub financial activity and integrating financial information with research activity, utilization, and staffing data.
• Support development and implementation of financial and resource allocation models that promote sustainability and effective use of MIDB research resources.
• Partner with Hub Directors and MIDB leadership to assess financial performance and identify opportunities to strengthen Hub sustainability and service delivery.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS with at least 8 years of experience or advanced degree with 6 years of experience and prior oversight of a small department or cross-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing large, diverse teams, including the ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees at different career stages and with varied areas of expertise.
• Experience with academic research practices and the research lifecycle, including grant/protocol development, IRB processes, study design and implementation, data collection and management, and research project coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to translate a broad, strategic vision into effective operational plans, priorities, and day-to-day execution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve processes, systems, and infrastructure in a complex and often ambiguous environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including project and portfolio management, communication, problem solving, relationship building, collaboration, and team development.
• Ability to understand and articulate complex technical and operational processes to diverse audiences, verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing needs and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, establish priorities, maintain deadlines, and drive work forward with limited direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, health sciences, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing research operations, shared research resources, cores, centers, or service-based research programs.
• Experience with research data management, data tracking systems, dashboards, and/or data visualization.
• Experience with financial planning, budget development, cost recovery models, and monitoring of research program finances.
• Experience building relationships and networks across academic, clinical, community, and external research organizations.
• Familiarity with AI tools with an interest in applying them to improve research administration, project management, workflow automation, and other operational processes.
• Familiarity with methodologies and research practices used with developmental populations (e.g., EEG, MRI, neuromodulation, neurocognitive assessments).

About the Department

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core and fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $140K-$152K; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.