Research Administration Specialist — PI Portfolio Leader

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 101,375 - 131,790; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Research Administration Specialist to provide full lifecycle research administration for a portfolio of Principal Investigators. This role ensures compliance with federal and sponsor requirements and coordinates with the PI support team.

Responsibilities include proposal development, award management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, with oversight of junior staff and collaboration with internal and external

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience in pre‑ and post‑award research administration.
• Experience developing proposals and budgets in a research environment.
• Knowledge of federal regulations, OMB guidance, and sponsor policies.
• Ability to supervise staff and provide training to junior administrators.

Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive pre‑award and post‑award research administration across PI portfolios.
• Develop and review budgets, budget justifications, and sponsor forms.
• Ensure compliance with Smithsonian, federal, and sponsor requirements.
• Oversee award set‑ups, closeouts, extensions, and required reports.
• Provide guidance to PIs and PI support teams; track finances and reporting.

Skills

Proposal development

Pre-award & post-award

Budgeting & forecasting

Staff mentorship

Tools

PeopleSoft

WebTA

Concur

Job description

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Research Administration Specialist to provide full lifecycle research administration for a portfolio of Principal Investigators. This role ensures compliance with federal and sponsor requirements and coordinates with the PI support team.

Responsibilities include proposal development, award management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, with oversight of junior staff and collaboration with internal and external