Research Administrator 2

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

Tuition and training assistance ($6,0k

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Commuter transportation benefits

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Research Administrator to manage pre- and post‑award sponsored research activities within the School of Medicine's Dermatology department. You will handle proposal preparation, budgeting, and sponsor inquiries, while coordinating with the Office of Sponsored Research and project teams.

The role emphasizes robust financial management, reporting, and adherence to university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of job-related experience.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
• Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II within the first year.
• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing and vendor requirements.
• Knowledge of property management related to Stanford or non‑Stanford title of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare administrative components of proposals within sponsored and non-sponsored guidelines.
• Oversee submission processes (paper and electronic) for completeness and compliance.
• Develop, prepare, and justify project budgets and cost bases.
• Liaise between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, and departments.
• Coordinate award setup and cost-sharing requirements; initiate cost transfers.
• Review expenditures and advise on post‑award spending and commitments.
• Produce reports to support project status and forecasting.
• Participate in contract closeout and audit documentation.

Skills

Excel

Budgeting

Accounting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Department of Dermatology
The Department of Dermatology is committed to the highest level of patient care, as well as the discovery and development of better treatments for dermatologic diseases. Research in the Department of Dermatology span a wide range of efforts, ranging from clinical trials to molecular translational medicine to fundamental studies in epithelial biology, as embodied in the Stanford Program in Epithelial Biology.

Are you ready for the next step in your research administration career?

If you have three years of research administration experience, this role may be perfect for you. Within the School of Medicine, Dermatology is a high-volume and productive administrative unit, and the staff collectively manage the pre- and post-award activities for a large and diverse portfolio of sponsoring agencies, working with federal, industry and non-profit sponsors on contracts, grants and clinical trials. Dermatology is looking for a Research Administrator (RA) who will provide a full range of administrative, financial and other tasks associated with pre- and post-award sponsored research activities and services, including proposal preparation and post-award management of funds and budgets. The RA will manage the proposal preparation and post-award activities on routine sponsored projects such as federal grants, foundation grants, and industrial contracts.

Training and Development

Within the department of Dermatology we pride ourselves in the development and training of our staff. With a comprehensive onboarding process that includes a full training road map and side by side partnership to ensure your success. We strive to have our staff constantly learn and grow to provide opportunities both within Dermatology and within research administration at large.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
• Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

Participate with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; review documents for completeness and compliance.

Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification.

Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries.

Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers.

Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.

Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create effective forecasting and decision aides.

Participate in contract closeout process; submit final reports and certificates. Compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries.

Understand, apply, and advise on university and government policies for projects.

Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.

Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Lead other staff in group projects

May participate as a mentor and provide cross-training as needed.

Bachelor’s degree and three years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.

Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures.

Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.

Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.

Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.

Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II within first year in role.

Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.

Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.

Competency in project management.

Ability to work well independently, but also to seek or offer assistance when needed.

Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II must be completed to remain in this position.

Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.

• Pay Range $85,689 - $159,953
• Pay Frequency Annually
• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Finance
• Posting Date 09/04/2026, 04:45 PM
• Grade H
• Job Identification 200970

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations hips.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more