Research Administrator

Marine Biological Laboratory; Falmouth (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) seeks an experienced full-time Research Administrator to support principal investigators in both sponsored and non-sponsored research administration. The role partners with the Director of Research Administration and the Director of Sponsored Programs to manage pre- and post-award processes across a PI’s funding portfolio.

Responsibilities include monitoring budgets, ensuring sponsor compliance, drafting administrative sections of proposals, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least three years of experience in research administration.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is a plus.
• Proficiency with financial/administrative software and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Funding portfolio management for PIs across sponsored and non-sponsored accounts.
• Assist PIs with pre-award grant proposals and budget development.
• Post-award management: monitor budgets, expenses, cost transfers and reports.
• Audit/compliance support for federal and non-federal grants.
• Coordinate annual budgeting across funding sources and forecast expenditures.
• Collaborate with HR to manage staffing and salary allocations for projects.
• Communicate policy updates to PIs in partnership with DRA and DSP.

Skills

Budget management

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3 years in research administration

CRA credential (plus)

Tools

NetSuite

InfoEd

UKG

Advanced Excel

Job description

Job Summary:

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is seeking an experienced full-time Research Administrator to join our team. This role is integral to supporting Principal Investigators (PIs) in both sponsored and non-sponsored research administration. Each Research Administrator serves as the primary administrative partner for an assigned group of PIs and oversees each PI’s full funding portfolio, spanning both sponsored and non-sponsored accounts. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Research Administration (DRA) and the Director of Sponsored Programs (DSP) to manage the administrative aspects of pre-award and post-award processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Funding Portfolio Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for the complete funding portfolios of assigned PIs, including federal and non-federal grants, contracts, subawards, gifts, endowment and discretionary accounts, startup funds, and other internal accounts. Maintain a consolidated view of balances, commitments, and end dates across all accounts; project salary and expense needs; flag funding gaps and expiring balances early; and advise PIs on charging costs to the appropriate source consistent with sponsor terms, donor restrictions, and MBL policy.
• Pre-Award Services: Assist PIs in developing federal and non-federal grant proposals. This includes interpreting sponsor guidelines, budget development, drafting administrative sections, and ensuring compliance with all sponsor requirements.
• Post-Award Management: Support PIs in managing grants, sub-awards, contracts, gifts, and other awards. Monitor budgets, review expenditures for allowability, process cost transfers, support effort certification, prepare financial reports, and manage award closeout in alignment with award terms.
• Audit and Compliance: Maintain knowledge of federal and non-federal grant rules, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and agency-specific terms and conditions. Assist in preparing documents for audits, including Single Audits.
• Budget Coordination: Coordinate the annual budgeting process for assigned PIs across all of their funding sources, monitor budget execution, and update spending forecasts.
• Personnel Support: Collaborate with the Office of Human Resources and other departments to manage staffing and HR-related issues for research projects. Manage salary allocations and payroll distributions so personnel costs are charged to the appropriate accounts.
• Policy Communication: Work with the DRA and DSP to communicate MBL policies and practices to PIs.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree with at least three years of experience in research administration, preferably in a non-profit or academic setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is a plus.
• Skills: Proficiency in financial and administrative software (e.g., NetSuite, InfoEd, UKG) and advanced Excel skills, knowledge of basic accounting principles, and experience with federal grants (NIH, NSF, etc.). Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets, across both sponsored and non-sponsored funds.
• Abilities: Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary range $70,000 – $85,000. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

We offer flexibility in how you work: this full-time role can be performed entirely in the office or on a hybrid schedule that blends in-office and remote days.

We take care of our people. MBL’s benefits package includes medical and dental coverage, paid time off, a retirement plan, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

MBL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diverse experiences and perspectives combine to advance scientific inquiry and discovery.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.