Research Administrator

Marine Biological Laboratory•Falmouth, MA

10h•$70,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is seeking an experienced, full-time Research Administrator to support Principal Investigators (PIs) in sponsored and non-sponsored research administration. Each Research Administrator serves as the primary administrative partner for an assigned group of PIs and oversees their full funding portfolios across sponsored and non-sponsored accounts. The role works closely with the Director of Research Administration (DRA) and the Director of Sponsored Programs (DSP) on pre-award and post-award administrative processes. The position manages PIs’ funding portfolios, assists with proposal development, supports award administration and closeout, and helps ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, donor restrictions, and MBL policy. It also coordinates budgets and forecasts, supports personnel and payroll allocations, assists with audit preparation, and communicates MBL policies and practices to PIs. The role may be performed entirely in the office or on a hybrid schedule combining in-office and remote days. MBL offers medical and dental coverage, paid time off, a retirement plan, and other benefits. The starting salary range is $70,000–$85,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in research administration, preferably in a nonprofit or academic setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency with financial and administrative software, such as NetSuite, InfoEd, and UKG.
Advanced Excel skills.
Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
Experience with federal grants, such as NIH and NSF.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets across sponsored and non-sponsored funds.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned PIs’ complete funding portfolios, including grants, contracts, subawards, gifts, endowment and discretionary accounts, startup funds, and other internal accounts.
Maintain a consolidated view of account balances, commitments, and end dates; project salary and expense needs; identify funding gaps and expiring balances; and advise PIs on appropriate cost allocations under sponsor terms, donor restrictions, and MBL policy.
Assist PIs with federal and non-federal grant proposal development, including interpreting sponsor guidelines, developing budgets, drafting administrative sections, and ensuring sponsor requirement compliance.
Support management of grants, subawards, contracts, gifts, and other awards; monitor budgets; review expenditures for allowability; process cost transfers; support effort certification; prepare financial reports; and manage award closeout.
Maintain knowledge of federal and non-federal grant requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and agency-specific terms and conditions.
Assist with audit preparation, including preparation of documents for Single Audits.
Coordinate the annual budgeting process for assigned PIs across funding sources, monitor budget execution, and update spending forecasts.
Collaborate with Human Resources and other departments on staffing and HR-related issues for research projects.
Manage salary allocations and payroll distributions so personnel costs are charged to appropriate accounts.
Work with the DRA and DSP to communicate MBL policies and practices to PIs.