Research Administrator Sr

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Remote; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Administrator Senior to help manage sponsored projects and contracts. The role supports faculty and staff through proposal review, submission, and post-award administration in a fully remote capacity, with attention to sponsor guidelines and university policies.

Ideal candidates will understand complex regulations, communicate professionally across stakeholders, and adapt to evolving research administration needs.

Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and research complex regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication across faculty, staff, and sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Act as administrative liaison for sponsor agencies and UK faculty/staff.
• Review sponsor proposal guidelines and budgets for issues.
• Submit proposals to sponsor agencies and review/negotiate awards.
• Interpret UK policies and sponsor regulations for stakeholders.
• Provide post-award administrative guidance to faculty and sponsors.

Education

CRA preferred

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting/standing for long periods of time, repetitive motion related to computer work.

Shift

Fully remote position. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.

Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of Kentucky

Wildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!

About the Role:

This position is eligible for remote work.

• acting as the University of Kentucky administrative liaison for sponsor agencies and University faculty and staff
• review of sponsor proposal guidelines
• proposal review and identification and communication of issues with proposals and proposal budgets
• proposal submission to sponsor agency
• award review and negotiation with sponsors
• award acceptance and signature
• interpretation and implementation of University policies and procedures
• interpretation of sponsor regulations and State law
• providing responsive and appropriate post-award administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsor agencies

A successful candidate will have the ability to understand, interpret, and research complex and varied regulations, think critically and work collegially in order to successfully resolve questions and issues for faculty, staff, and colleagues, communicate timely and professionally to a range of individuals, have the ability to multitask and prioritize, have a strong attention to detail, and have a willingness to be a lifelong learner.

Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky

• Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation.
• Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list.
• 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science.
• Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.

Want to learn more about the Department? OSPA is responsible for administering over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts awarded through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. Services are available to all University faculty and staff and include: advice and assistance with budget preparation and other administrative requirements of proposals; proposal submission; review, negotiation and acceptance of awards; interpretation and information regarding sponsor policies and regulations; preparation of subcontract documents; administration of UK’s Conflict of Interest Policy. More information about the department can be found at: https://research.uky.edu/sponsored-project-services/about/ OSPA.

Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?

The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these exceptional benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/exceptional-benefits-for-university-of-kentucky-staff.

Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration? Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us in UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration as the next dedicated Research Administrator Senior and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.

The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Certified Research Administrator ( CRA ) preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/09/2026

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.