Research Administrator Sr

University of Kentucky; United States; Remote; USD 53,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration is seeking a dedicated Research Administrator Senior to manage external sponsored projects across the university, including grants and contracts.

The role offers remote work options and responsibilities include liaison with sponsor agencies, proposal review, award negotiation, account setup, and post-award guidance, with emphasis on policy interpretation and compliance.

Qualifications

• 4 years related experience required.
• Master's degree (MA) required.

Responsibilities

• Act as the University of Kentucky administrative liaison for sponsor agencies and University faculty and staff.
• Review sponsor proposal guidelines and perform proposal review.
• Identify and communicate issues with proposals and proposal budgets; submit proposals to sponsor agency.
• Review and negotiate awards with sponsors; assist with award acceptance and signature.
• Establish sponsored project accounts; interpret and implement University policies and sponsor regulations.
• Provide post-award administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsor agencies.

Education

MA

Job description

Working Title

Posting Details

Job Title Research Administrator Sr Requisition Number RE56354 Department Name 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 46 Salary Range $53,061-87,526/year Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education MA Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience 4 yrs 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 .

Job Summary

Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of Kentucky Wildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!

Why Join Us?

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administrator Senior. This vital role supports and enables groundbreaking research across the University.

About the Role:

This position is eligible for remote work. As a Research Administrator Senior, you will be responsible for the administration of external sponsored projects (grants and contracts) University wide. This includes:

• 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
• sponsored project account establishment
• 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. Click here for more information about equivalencies: 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

11/09/2026

Our University Community

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.

Non-discrimination statement

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.

Pre-employment screenings

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.