Research Administrator I

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s College of Engineering seeks a dedicated Research Administrator to support post-award financial management and administrative functions for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The role requires collaboration with faculty and university partners to ensure compliant and accurate research administration, with attention to budgets, reconciliations, and reporting.

The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and service-minded, capable of managing

Qualifications

• Knowledge equivalent to completing a four-year college degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, public administration, management, or related field.
• Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.
• Experience with pre- or post-award research administration and familiarity with budgeting, expenditures, and audits.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sponsored projects, maintain records, support reporting and closeouts, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Serve as fiscal officer for assigned accounts, review and approve financial transactions within delegated authority.
• Prepare financial documents, cost redistributions, and resolve account discrepancies.
• Monitor project funding, cost sharing commitments, and prepare related reports and documentation.
• Process subcontract payments and handle financial and appointment-related transactions for faculty and researchers.
• Provide department administrative support including salary and workload processing and visitor reception.

Skills

Analytical

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/related field

Essentials of Research Administration certificate

Tools

EBS

KFS

BI

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Administrator to support its research portfolio. This position is well suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment and wants to contribute directly to the success of faculty research.

The Research Administrator provides post-award financial and administrative support for the department’s research and related accounts. Responsibilities include monitoring project finances, preparing reconciliations and reports, reviewing expenditures, supporting budget forecasting and project closeouts, and coordinating with faculty and University partners to promote accurate and compliant research administration.

The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and service-oriented, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, resolve discrepancies, manage competing deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively.

At Michigan State University’s College of Engineering, we believe that education and innovation are strongest when built on mutual respect. Guided by MSU’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge, expanding access to education, and creating solutions that serve the common good. We are committed to a community where each person is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive—engineering with respect, innovating with purpose, building with trust, and growing through resilience. Learn more about our Community of Respect and Innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Research Administration

Provides research administration support by monitoring sponsored projects, maintaining records, supporting reporting and closeout activities, and promoting compliance with University and sponsor requirements.

• Analyze and report financial and award information for more than 100 research and related accounts.
• Monitor project activity, reconcile monthly ledgers, identify discrepancies, and provide reports to principal investigators.
• Provide limited pre-award support by reviewing proposal budgets and administrative components and assisting with revised budgets.
• Assist with financial and equipment reports and project account closeouts.
• Monitor awards and provide guidance regarding University and sponsor requirements.
• Maintain research records and compile documentation for audits and other reviews.

Post-Award Financial Administration

Provides fiscal administration for assigned research and related accounts by reviewing transactions, monitoring funding commitments, resolving discrepancies, and supporting accurate financial management.

• Serve as fiscal officer for assigned accounts, reviewing and approving financial transactions within delegated authority.
• Prepare financial documents, including cost redistributions, and resolve account discrepancies.
• Monitor project funding, matching requirements, and cost-sharing commitments; prepare related reports and documentation.
• Compile and verify research expenditure and overhead-distribution data for University, College, ASEE, and U.S. News & World Report reporting.
• Support fabricated-equipment account requests and monitor related expenditures and records.
• Prepare and track subcontract payments in accordance with University requirements.
• Process financial and appointment-related transactions for faculty and research personnel.

Department Administrative Support

Supports efficient department operations by providing responsive administrative assistance to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

• Prepare and process summer faculty salary and teaching and research load forms.
• Welcome and assist visitors to the department office.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the department.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Michigan State University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering combines a longstanding tradition of excellence with leading-edge education and research. Faculty and students pursue interdisciplinary work in biomechanics, dynamic systems and controls, thermal and fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics, design, and manufacturing. The department fosters a supportive, collaborative environment and works with University, government, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions that improve lives and advance society.

About The College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society's most pressing challenges. Our mission is to prepare exceptional engineering graduates, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive innovation that benefits communities locally and globally.

The college pursues this mission through educational and research programs across eight departments, with interdisciplinary strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or another field related to research administration; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in one or more of the research process areas of pre- or post-award processes, such as regulatory administration; experience in word processing, spreadsheet and database software; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. The job also requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting pre- or post-award research administration, including budgets, expenditures, grants, contracts, cost sharing, or project closeouts. Knowledge of research requirements and experience with financial or research administration systems, such as EBS, KFS, BI, or comparable systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively. Research administration training or certification is preferred.

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.

Required Application Materials

A complete application will include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

me.msu.edu

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.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/29/2026 at 11:55 PM