Research Administrator Opportunities (RA, Sr. RA, Lead RA)

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) invites applications for a Research Administrator to lead pre-award and post-award portfolio management across a diverse research portfolio. You will interpret sponsor guidelines, coordinate proposals, and advise investigators on timelines and budgets to support strategic research goals.

Location: Hybrid schedule in New York. The role requires strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, financial oversight, and collaboration with investigators and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies and procedures, circulars, laws, and federal acquisition regulations applicable to sponsored programs.
• Research administration in a healthcare or academic research setting, with demonstrated experience managing complex or high-volume portfolios.
• Strong exposure to both pre-award and post-award research administration.
• Knowledge of financial operations activity, including creating requisitions, expense reimbursements, payroll allocations, and monitoring financials through reporting.
• Mid-to-sophisticated level skills in Microsoft Office and business intelligence products such as Tableau or Cognos

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-award and post-award portfolio management for assigned researchers, exercising independent judgment in managing complex funding portfolios and competing priorities.
• Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of agency application forms and required administrative documents; and guide proposal strategy, timelines, and submission progress.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assume advanced financial oversight of assigned research business areas, partnering with investigators and central offices to develop budgets, spending strategies, and long-term financial plans aligned with research goals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex research administration issues, partnering cross-functionally to resolve challenges efficiently.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior research administrators, including review of work products such as budgets, submissions, and financial reports.

Skills

Federal regulations

Research administration

Pre-award & Post-award

Budgeting & forecasting

MS Office

Tableau/Cognos

Tools

Tableau

Cognos

Job description

About Us

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursueour missionat MSK and around the globe. Exciting Opportunity at MSK! As part of a new Research Administration initiative within the Department of Medicine, MSK is expanding its research support team and seeking Research Administration professionals across multiple career levels. These newly created roles will partner closely with Investigators and Institutional Research Administration teams to provide comprehensive pre-award and financial post-award support across a portfolio of federal, state, industry, and privately funded research grants and contracts. Candidates will play a key role in advancing operational excellence, supporting research growth, and helping shape a scalable research administration model within the Department. Candidates may be considered for appointment at the Research Administrator, Sr. Research Administrator, or Lead Research Administrator level based on their experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration.

Role Overview

Lead the pre-award and post-award portfolio management for assigned researchers, exercising independent judgment in managing complex funding portfolios and competing priorities. Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of agency application forms and required administrative documents; and guide proposal strategy, timelines, and submission progress. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. Assume advanced financial oversight of assigned research business areas, partnering with investigators and central offices to develop budgets, spending strategies, and long-term financial plans aligned with research goals. Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex research administration issues, partnering cross-functionally to resolve challenges efficiently. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior research administrators, including review of work products such as budgets, submissions, and financial reports.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies and procedures, circulars, laws, and federal acquisition regulations applicable to sponsored programs.
• Research administration in a healthcare or academic research setting, with demonstrated experience managing complex or high-volume portfolios.
• Strong exposure to both pre-award and post-award research administration.
• Knowledge of financial operations activity, including creating requisitions, expense reimbursements, payroll allocations, and monitoring financials through reporting.
• Mid-to-sophisticated level skills in Microsoft Office and business intelligence products such as Tableau or Cognos

Core Skills

• Outstanding communication and self-awareness, able to effectively interact with faculty and administrators.
• Accurate in developing and leading budgets, projecting expenditures, and leading recommended solutions.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining professional and courteous service to our customers.
• Maintain high work standards and integrity of financial principles and stewardship with minimum supervision.

Additional Information

Location: Hybrid Schedule: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hrs. Reporting to Director, Department of Medicine

Helpful Links

• Compensation Philosophy Benefits Final title and compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration.
• Pay Range: $77,100.00 - $164,500.00
• FSLA Status: Exempt
• Closing: At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.

Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Our multi-disciplinary teams work together to provide exceptional patient care, develop innovative research, and deliver outstanding educational programs.

Learn More

The people of MSK make this an incredible place to work, grow and make a difference.

Discover what makes us unique