Research Administration Specialist

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

7d•$70,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Kerner Lab at Arizona State University, led by Professor Hannah Kerner, is seeking a Research Administration Specialist to lead the operational and strategic coordination of a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary machine learning and remote sensing projects. The lab works at the intersection of AI, Earth and planetary science, and real-world deployment, partnering with organizations such as NASA, FEWS NET, and industry collaborators to translate research into impact. The Kerner Lab focuses on advancing the foundations and applications of machine learning to foster a more sustainable, responsible, and fair future for all. The lab is conducting research projects in machine learning for remote sensing, algorithmic bias, and machine learning theory. The lab works closely with diverse partners such as NASA Harvest, NASA Acres, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), and Taylor Geospatial to translate research advances into real progress in applied projects and operational systems. The Kerner Lab’s research and applied activities are supported by numerous grants from public and private organizations, including NSF, NASA, and Schmidt Sciences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Experience working in academic and research environments
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks and deadlines effectively, as well as help others improve their project management and prioritization
Comfortable in an interdisciplinary role working with different types of partners with varying levels of technical and domain expertise
Proficiency in reporting and content creation software including Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, Adobe, Canva, Mailchimp, and generative AI tools
Proficiency with project management tools such as Slack, GitHub, Notion, etc.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring students, especially graduate students, on non-technical topics such as professional development, time management, presentation and writing skills, etc.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement operational strategies for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders (academic researchers, academic partners, industry partners, government agencies, students, etc.), especially in the area of geospatial AI
Advance and ensure project progress by setting objectives and deadlines in collaboration with research team and stakeholders, including providing recommendations on how to improve project operations
Design, suggest, and implement lab-wide operational systems, templates, and workflows to continuously improve lab efficiency and scalability
Monitor project progress and deliverables; Coordinate with Research Advancement team to propose, implement, and manage project budgets and financial goals in accordance with lab grants and costs
Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track and forecast project budgets, burn rates, and financial risks
Coordinate with Research Advancement and PI to oversee project reporting and ensure timely submission of deliverables to sponsors
Build, maintain, and manage relationships with partners while promoting and highlighting the benefits of technological innovation
Coordinate with Research Advancement team to support grant application processes for funding from government agencies and private sector organizations
Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track funding opportunities and manage proposal timelines and submissions
Identify students’ needs involved in various projects, and develop and execute strategies to fulfill those needs
Implement and monitor structured project management practices for students (e.g., sprint planning, milestone tracking)
Monitor and support student progress toward research and professional goals
Coordinate dissemination of lab outputs (e.g., website, reports, media, partners)