Senior Research Administrator

MIT•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

SENIOR RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR , Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) , to perform complex pre- and post-award sponsored research administration; advise and educate principal investigators (PIs), faculty, researchers, and staff on all aspects of research administration, including MIT policies and systems and federal regulations; provide advice on matters pertaining to financial management of an assigned portfolio, including managing sponsored, non-sponsored, and general accounts according to the terms and conditions of the sponsor and MIT; utilize the COEUS award management module for proposal preparation and processing; perform initial award set-up; monitor the financial performance of grants/contracts to ensure compliance; meet regularly with PIs to advise on all aspects of research administration; prepare financial analyses and forecasting; prepare and submit forms and financial reports; monitor and manage effort distribution and certification; analyze and track cost-sharing and under-recovery; ensure timely and appropriate account close-outs; and collaborate on analyzing and implementing processes/improvements to financial operations. A full job description is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bogqxp2iipuievk6m6xnn/Senior-Research-Administrator-March-2026.pdf?rlkey=7agu0ngkp1o2edw6x6nhcptku&st=cs5bkkl7&dl=0 .

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
a minimum of four years of direct/related financial/accounting experience
excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
self-motivation
proficiency with SAP, Cognos, Brio, and Excel (or similar accounting software or financial portals)
ability to learn changing technologies related to grants and contract management
experience managing pre-award and post-award activities for sponsored funds with knowledge of federal guidelines

Nice To Haves

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines, work independently and collaboratively in a complex environment, set goals and objectives, and present solutions to complex problems
financial administration experience in a university/hospital/nonprofit organization
experience with COEUS or other grants management system
knowledge of Uniform Guidance, NIH, and other federal sponsor policies
experience at MIT and with its finance and research administration policies

Responsibilities

perform complex pre- and post-award sponsored research administration
advise and educate principal investigators (PIs), faculty, researchers, and staff on all aspects of research administration, including MIT policies and systems and federal regulations
provide advice on matters pertaining to financial management of an assigned portfolio, including managing sponsored, non-sponsored, and general accounts according to the terms and conditions of the sponsor and MIT
utilize the COEUS award management module for proposal preparation and processing
perform initial award set-up
monitor the financial performance of grants/contracts to ensure compliance
meet regularly with PIs to advise on all aspects of research administration
prepare financial analyses and forecasting
prepare and submit forms and financial reports
monitor and manage effort distribution and certification
analyze and track cost-sharing and under-recovery
ensure timely and appropriate account close-outs
collaborate on analyzing and implementing processes/improvements to financial operations