Research Program Administrator

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) seeks a Research Training Specialist Principle to lead training initiatives and develop curricula for sponsored projects across UK processes and policies.

This role offers remote work eligibility and a focus on delivering courses, e-learning, and learning simulations to support researchers and staff. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• At least 4 years of related experience.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and curricula.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for training courses and materials.
• Independently deliver training courses, e-learning, video tutorials and simulations.
• Edit training content for accuracy and clarity.
• Act as primary contact for development and implementation of electronic research administration systems.
• Develop training curricula covering policy knowledge, systems, and soft skills.
• Design cradle-to-grave training aligning with UK processes and policies.

Skills

Training

Curriculum development

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree (MA)

Tools

e-learning tools

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title: Research Program Administrator

Requisition Number: RE55760

Working Title: Research Training Specialist Principle

Department Name: 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 47

Salary Range: $58,302-96,179/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: The essential job functions of this position require you to be indoors; sit for extended periods of time; handle light-weight objects up to 10 pounds; operate a computer and navigate multiple computer systems; communicate effectively through written, verbal and non-verbal mediums with individuals from various backgrounds; provide excellent customer service to all customers; maintain high levels of concentration and mental attention; and have strong organizational, problem solving and time management skills.

Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST ; and additional hours as required.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration ( OSPA ) is seeking a Research Training Specialist Principle.

This position is eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to …

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert ( SME ) for training courses.


• Independently deliver training courses, e-learning, video tutorials, and learning simulations


• Edit training courses and materials to ensure accuracy of content


• Serve as OSPA’s point of contact and subject matter expert for the development and implementation of electronic research administration systems


• Develop training curriculum that identifies and addresses the following: diverse range of federal, state, foundation and UK policy knowledge, technical systems knowledge, critical thinking and other soft skills


• Develop training curriculum that creates a holistic knowledge base of sponsored projects from a cradle to grave sponsored project life cycle and how it relates to UK processes and policies

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 .

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 .

UK Benefits

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 .

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Deadline to Apply: 09/16/2026

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.

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.

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