Research Administrator Assistant

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks a collaborative Research Administrator Assistant to support a diverse portfolio of fisheries and wildlife research. The role involves pre- and post-award administration, budgeting, and ensuring compliance across sponsored programs.

Hybrid work arrangement offered; responsibilities include proposal submission support, grant oversight, reporting, and general administrative tasks to sustain unit operations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge equivalent to a two-year degree; 1–3 years of related work experience in word processing, spreadsheets and scheduling software.
• Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) within one year of hire.
• Experience with financial transactions and account management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide pre-award support: assemble proposal documents, collect forms, coordinate with co-PIs and sub-awardees.
• Provide post-award support: monitor grants, review reporting requirements, track budget and expenses, ensure compliance, reconcile records.
• Perform general office duties: SFN input, purchasing, travel support, asset management, and vehicle log maintenance.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Scheduling software

Desktop publishing

Presentation software

Webpage software

Essentials of Research Administration

Education

Two-year degree or equivalent

Essentials of Research Administration Certificate (MSU)

Tools

Spartan Financial Navigator (SFN)

MSU reporting systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit seek a collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented Research Administrator Assistant to support a diverse portfolio of fisheries and wildlife research.

This position plays an important role in helping faculty and researchers secure, manage, and steward sponsored research funding. The successful candidate will provide both pre-award and post-award research administration support, work closely with principal investigators on budget planning and compliance, and assist with departmental financial and administrative operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in research administration, sponsored project management, federal grant compliance, budgeting, and financial operations. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with both in-person and remote work opportunities and exposure to federal and university research funding processes.

Specifically, this position will provide both pre- and post-award research administration support as well as general office support for these units. Pre-Award research administration support (20%) will include reviewing of proposal guideline submission requirements, assembling proposal documents, collecting required forms, and communicating with co-PIs and sub awardees as needed to support proposal submission. Post-Award research administration support (60%) will include the management and oversight of awarded grants, review of grant award documents for reporting requirements, monitoring budget and allowable expenses and financial transactions, and monitoring expenses for compliance. Post-award support also includes reconciling accounting records, providing reporting and conducting annual meetings with PIs to plan expenditures. General office support (20%) will include Spartan Financial Navigator (SFN) financial input and forecasts, purchasing, maintaining and auditing vehicle log reports, providing travel support, asset management records and similar tasks that support the unit.

This is a hybrid position with both in-person and remote opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a two-year degree; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in word processing, spreadsheet and scheduling software, maintaining account records and/or database software; desktop publishing software, presentation and webpage software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration at MSU Certificate series or equivalent within one year of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in pre-and post-award research administration, experience with financial transactions and account management, experience with MSU reporting and systems, excellent organization and communication skills.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding funding renewal.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends August 11, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

Advertised

Advertised: Aug 5, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 18, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time