Research Administrator II

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU is seeking a administrative professional to manage pre-award and post-award financial activities within the AgBioResearch Director’s Office. Responsibilities include preparing proposal documents in MSU KR, monitoring budgets, conducting reconciliations, and producing monthly and quarterly reports for PIs.

The role also covers project closeout, procurement, inventory control, safety training, and ensuring compliance with federal and university requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year college degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Must complete Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide pre-award support by preparing and submitting proposal documents in MSU KR system.
• Provide post-award support including budget monitoring, reconciliations, and financial reporting to PIs.
• Coordinate project closeout activities and prepare quarterly forecasts.
• Oversee unit administrative tasks including procurement, inventory, safety training, and compliance.

Skills

Budget management

Research administration

Financial reporting

Compliance knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Finance

MSU Essentials of Research Administration Certificate (or equivalent)

Tools

MSU Kuali Research (KR) system

Spartan Financial Navigator (SFN)

Job description

Position Summary

This position is administered through the AgBioResearch Director’s Office and provides expertise in pre- and post-award administration, financial management, compliance, auditing, and general unit operations. Prepares and submits faculty Principal Investigator (PI) proposal documents in the MSU Kuali Research (KR) system in response to funding opportunities. Monitors award guidelines and budgets to ensure expenditures are allowable and compliant with applicable requirements; reconciles accounts; reviews and approves expenditures; prepares and submits financial transactions; and provides monthly financial reports to PIs. Manages project closeout activities, including financial projections and planning discussions with PIs, coordination and submission of required reports, and review of subcontracts. Provides financial and budget management support using Spartan Financial Navigator (SFN) and prepares quarterly forecasts. Submits faculty and student travel requests and expense reimbursements. Coordinates the procurement of supplies and equipment and administers unit property, including equipment and fleet inventories, maintenance and repair, utilization records, and related documentation. Oversees onboarding and required federal safety training for new students and research technicians. Monitors safety compliance, budgets, and documentation and coordinates reporting of safety incidents. Serves as the primary administrative point of contact between USGS and MSU and Contracts and Grants (CGA). This is a hybrid position with both in-person and remote opportunities.

20% Provides pre-award support through preparation and submission of proposal document submission packages through MSU Kuali Research system.

40% Provides post-award support for funded awards, monitoring budget and allowable expenses. Reconciles accounts, provides monthly and annual financial reports for federal compliance. Assures expenditures meet compliance and auditing guidelines.

20% Manage project closeout activities, financial projections and planning, coordination and submission of reports and extension requests.

20% Provides unit administrative support for budget and financial management; travel, purchasing, inventory, safety training, establishes budget, monitors and approves expenditures, provides forecasting and oversight of safety training and compliance

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business administration, Finance, or a research-related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration including the area of pre- or post-award processes, or related field such as regulatory administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Expertise in Federal spending policies; ability to work independently and contribute to unit’s strategic objectives; ability to navigate MSU systems and processes; excellent organization, analytical and communication skills; solution- and detailed-oriented.

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

Please provide a cover letter and resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

www.canr.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.

Bidding eligibility ends October 6, 2026, 11:55 PM

Advertised: Sep 30, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 13, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time