A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
The XTRM/SPRL Space Physics Research Laboratory in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly organized Research Administrator to join our administrative team.
XTRM/SPRL Labs is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, arctic, above/on/below the water). The XTRM/SPRL Lab professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For seven decades, SPRL has been one of a handful of university centers able to conceive, design, build, test, and operate space flight instruments a truly "end-to-end" operation.
The XTRM/SPRL Research Administrator will lead all pre and post award activities including proposal and budget preparation, post award project and budget monitoring, coordinating contract activities with sponsors, and supporting all sponsored project activities in the lab. XTRM/SPRL activities are largely subcontracts for UM Principal Investigator and NASA Centers.
Pre-award research administration: Provide comprehensive coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submission. Prepare all components of proposal administrative package, and compile and submit completed proposal package. Work closely with staff and PIs in proposal planning. Produce complex budgets and detailed narrative justifications and costing documentation to meet sponsor requirements. Collect required supporting documents and information. Ensure compliance with all applicable sponsor and university requirements, regulations and deadlines. Serve as liaison with sponsor, collaborators, and ORSP. Guide and track submissions through university and sponsor systems. Archive detailed proposal documentation upon completion. Maintain current proposal records in department and university databases.
Post-award research administration: Monitor project budget status prospectively, initiating changes as needed with assistance from the PI and or PM. Review expenditures and actions in accordance with budgetary considerations and university and sponsor regulations. Reconcile to statements of activity. Provide financial reports to PIs, department, sponsors, and clients. Interpret university, federal, and other sponsor policies, and advise on the implications, recommending various possible courses of action. Closely monitor personnel effort on projects, and plan in accordance with university and sponsor policies. Work with department, college, and central office staff to resolve financial, and payroll issues. Set up new awards, including sub-PGs, subcontracts, consulting agreements and cost sharing. Prepare/review journal entries and invoices, journal entries. Track invoicing and payments and ensure compliance with award terms. Perform all required project closeout actions, including review and resolution of FSRs. Maintain current project records in department and university databases. Maintain detailed project files. Collaboratively work with other departments around the University.
Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored projects at the University of Michigan Ability to make critical decisions Well-developed written and verbal communication skills Ability to think independently Ability to multitask and work effectively, both independently and in teams, ensuring timely completion of assignments and meeting project deadlines Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact in a professional manner with senior level government managers and teammates during periods of high stress and tight deadlines Proficient with Excel Strong attention to detail One year or more in grant administration or higher-level financial activities in a comparable environment with strict regulatory and compliance requirements. Associate level: Bachelor degree and 1 - 3 years of grant and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience Intermediate level: Bachelor degree and 3 - 5 years of grant and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience Knowledge of University financial practices and processes Familiarity and experience with University administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, MReports, eResearch, and Concur; prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NASA, DoD and DoE; familiarity with grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, and NSF Fastlane. Experience working with recharges and/or non-institutional Pool Appointments. Masters Degree in relevant field The Space Physics Research Laboratory operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This position will be classified as a FLEX position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix which means working on campus 1-2 days per week and working remotely the rest of the week. You can find more information here:
This position may also be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
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