Research Administrator Trainee (RAISE)

SRA International; Stony Brook (NY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work laptop provided

Opportunity for overtime pay

Job summary

SRA International is offering the RAISE Traineeship, a 12-to-18-month program in Stony Brook, New York, aimed at preparing trainees for entry-level research administration roles. This full-time position involves driving operational projects and providing administrative support across various units.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. The role also includes oversight of funding opportunities and compliance in research administration.

Qualifications

• One year full-time experience in administration, finance, or research.
• Relevant experience during Master's or Doctoral programs accepted.
• Additional years of experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational projects and administrative duties independently.
• Support proposal development and grant submission.
• Assist with financial management and compliance.

Skills

High proficiency with Microsoft Office

Proficient in Google Workspace

Experience in customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). An Associate's degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• One year of full-time experience in administration, finance, or research (relevant research experience gained during a Master's or Doctoral training program will be considered).
• High proficiency and professional experience with computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
• Additional years of full-time experience in administration, finance, or research beyond the required minimum.
• One or more years of related professional experience (e.g., grants development/management, research administration, finance/accounting, or advanced administrative support).
• Prior experience in customer service.
• Prior experience working within a higher education environment.

Brief Description of Duties

The RAISE Traineeship offers a comprehensive, 12‑to‑18‑month immersive experience across multiple units within Stony Brook's Office for Research and Innovation. Trainees function as full‑time team members, driving a diverse range of operational projects and administrative duties independently. Each trainee receives structured support, including a supervisor, trainer, and mentor. The program prepares trainees to transition into entry‑level research administration roles within OR&I or the broader university.

Core Competencies & Expected Learning Outcomes

• Proposal & Award Analysis: Deconstruct funding opportunity announcements and award notifications; create and execute proposal checklists and timelines.
• Grant Submission Support: Develop, review, edit, and upload administrative documents for research grant proposals across diverse sponsors.
• Budget Development: Construct detailed research grant budgets aligning with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
• Financial Management: Support invoicing, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking in collaboration with Accounts Payable, Procurement, and Human Resources.
• System Navigation: Gain proficiency in key sponsor portals (e.g., Research.gov, ASSIST, Grants.gov) and internal university systems (e.g., myResearch, Report Center).
• Award Compliance & Policy: Navigate federal, state, foundation, and institutional compliance guidelines regarding award terms, expenditures, and reporting.
• Customer Service & Communication: Provide high‑quality administrative guidance to faculty and staff, manage inquiries from external sponsors.
• Technology Transfer & Commercialization: Assist with invention disclosures, patent workflows, and university‑industry licensing principles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Notes

• This is a full‑time, FLSA non‑exempt position eligible for overtime provisions.
• Employment is subject to Research Foundation policies, sponsor guidelines, and availability of funding.
• Work visa sponsorship is not available.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals as defined by U.S. law.
• Rotation among at least two of the six OR&I units is required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.
• Each trainee will receive a work laptop, to be returned at program completion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

Salary

$56,000 - $70,000