Research Services Associate

Michigan Technological University•Houghton, MI

About The Position

The Frontiers Research Institute (FRI) at Michigan Technological University is a Tier 1 multidisciplinary research institute providing comprehensive research support services to researchers across the University’s colleges and administrative units. FRI administers affiliated centers including the Institute of Materials Processing, Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center, Michigan Tech Transportation Institute, and Research and Innovation in STEAM Education. The Research Services Associate joins the research administration team to support continued research growth in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Relevant experience organizing and coordinating multiple research tasks, including budgets, personnel documents, and supporting information for multiple clients or projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with advanced features of standard office software, such as MS Office and Adobe products, and web-based productivity resources such as Google Workspace.
Experience coordinating and leading people and processes to meet objectives.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.
Ability to plan work, manage team timelines, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to use judgment when handling confidential information.
Ability to think creatively and work efficiently toward desired outcomes.
Ability to manage, prioritize, and negotiate multiple tasks and projects.
Commitment to contributing to a safe work environment.
Eligibility to work in the United States on or before the appointment effective date and to maintain eligibility without employer sponsorship throughout the appointment.
Submission of a resume and cover letter.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience providing pre-award support.
Experience in higher education, especially delivering university-based research.
Master's or Ph.D.
Knowledge of preparing and organizing documents for government grants and industry contracts.
Knowledge of financial management, budget development, tracking, and monitoring.
Demonstrated success or potential future contribution in working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive pre-award support, including coordinating with research teams, the Sponsored Programs Office, and other University business units; reviewing funding opportunity requirements; developing budgets and justifications; and reviewing and formatting proposal content.
Support post-award project management, including financial tracking and reporting.
Independently manage multiple tasks and projects, track deadlines, and work with research support staff to establish organizational protocols and processes.
Maintain a professional, efficient, safe, and welcoming environment for colleagues, research clients, and students; adapt procedures to the needs of FRI and its affiliated Centers.
Use BANNER, WebFocus, Perceptive Content, Cayuse, and ASPIRE to track research and financial data, and prepare routine and ad hoc reports.
Analyze information, resolve problems, and route or escalate requests appropriately to support timely research delivery.
Anticipate operational needs and deadlines and assist leadership with short- and long-term organizational goals.
Build collegial relationships with staff across departments, units, institutes, and centers to maintain a productive research support network.
Participate in meetings and represent the organization on committees when requested.
Support planning and organization of functions, retreats, receptions, social gatherings, conferences, and guest speakers.
Integrate safety practices into daily work and learn and apply continuous improvement strategies; engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
Contribute to the research administration team by taking responsibility for assignments, participating as a team member, and providing backup support as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.