Research Administrator I

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

11d•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Administrator to support its research portfolio. This position is well suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment and wants to contribute directly to the success of faculty research. The Research Administrator provides post-award financial and administrative support for the department’s research and related accounts. Responsibilities include monitoring project finances, preparing reconciliations and reports, reviewing expenditures, supporting budget forecasting and project closeouts, and coordinating with faculty and University partners to promote accurate and compliant research administration. The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and service-oriented, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, resolve discrepancies, manage competing deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively. At Michigan State University’s College of Engineering, we believe that education and innovation are strongest when built on mutual respect. Guided by MSU’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge, expanding access to education, and creating solutions that serve the common good. We are committed to a community where each person is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive—engineering with respect, innovating with purpose, building with trust, and growing through resilience. Learn more about our Community of Respect and Innovation.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or another field related to research administration
Up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in one or more of the research process areas of pre- or post-award processes, such as regulatory administration
Experience in word processing, spreadsheet and software
Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting pre- or post-award research administration, including budgets, expenditures, grants, contracts, cost sharing, or project closeouts.
Knowledge of research requirements and experience with financial or research administration systems, such as EBS, KFS, BI, or comparable systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively.
Research administration training or certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides research administration support by monitoring sponsored projects, maintaining records, supporting reporting and closeout activities, and promoting compliance with University and sponsor requirements.
Analyze and report financial and award information for more than 100 research and related accounts.
Monitor project activity, reconcile monthly ledgers, identify discrepancies, and provide reports to principal investigators.
Provide limited pre-award support by reviewing proposal budgets and administrative components and assisting with revised budgets.
Assist with financial and equipment reports and project account closeouts.
Monitor awards and provide guidance regarding University and sponsor requirements.
Maintain research records and compile documentation for audits and other reviews.
Provides fiscal administration for assigned research and related accounts by reviewing transactions, monitoring funding commitments, resolving discrepancies, and supporting accurate financial management.
Serve as fiscal officer for assigned accounts, reviewing and approving financial transactions within delegated authority.
Prepare financial documents, including cost redistributions, and resolve account discrepancies.
Monitor project funding, matching requirements, and cost-sharing commitments; prepare related reports and documentation.
Compile and verify research expenditure and overhead-distribution data for University, College, ASEE, and U.S. News & World Report reporting.
Support fabricated-equipment account requests and monitor related expenditures and records.
Prepare and track subcontract payments in accordance with University requirements.
Process financial and appointment-related transactions for faculty and research personnel.
Supports efficient department operations by providing responsive administrative assistance to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Prepare and process summer faculty salary and teaching and research load forms.
Welcome and assist visitors to the department office.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the department.