Research Administrator 2 (Remote Eligible)

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Free commuter programs

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Research Administrator to manage pre- and post-award sponsored research activities for multiple departments. The role involves proposal preparation, budget development, and liaising with investigators, offices, and sponsors.

Remote-friendly with options for hybrid or in-office work. Required are a Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience, plus strong Excel and accounting know-how.

Qualifications

• Bachelor7s degree and three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of governmental regulations.
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare administrative components of proposals and oversee submission processes.
• Develop, prepare, and justify project budgets and cost sharing.
• Serve as liaison between investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, and departments.
• Ensure awards setup and cost transfers; monitor post-award expenditures.
• Review expenditures and advise on post-award spending and compliance.
• Create reports supporting project status and forecasting.
• Assist in award closeout and audit readiness.

Skills

Government regulations

Policies interpretation

Communication skills

Excel skills

Accounting principles

Project management

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Stanford, CA, United States (Remote)

Job Description

Note: This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

The School of Engineering (SoE)

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

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. On behalf of eight SoE academic departments, the Engineering Research Administration (ERA) administers over 700 annual awards and $175 million in annual sponsored research. ERA is a high-volume and productive administrative unit, and the ERA staff collectively manage the pre- and post-award activities for a large and diverse portfolio of sponsoring agencies (over 230 different agencies). ERA 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.

This position is eligible for remote work. The RA has an option to be remote, hybrid, or entirely in the office. The RA will be asked to attend certain in-person work events during the year regardless of remote status.

In this role, you will

• Participate with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of 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 the 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 award 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 subject matter expert 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.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required)

• 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 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.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• 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.

Certifications & Licenses

• Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
• Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.

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.

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.

Pay Range

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $60,392 to $105,281 per annum for remote positions.

The expected pay range for this position is $100,653 to $116,979 per annum in Stanford work locations.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

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.

• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Engineering
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Finance
• Posting Date 08/14/2026, 09:48 PM
• Grade H
• Job Identification 108755

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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 overall 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 relationships.

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