SR. SPONSORED RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR
About The Position
Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges. We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health. Together, we translate science into health. The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary. Position Summary Play a key role at the center of cutting-edge research. As a Senior Sponsored Research Administrator, you’ll partner closely with faculty to bring innovative ideas to life, guiding proposals from concept to submission and supporting award management every step of the way. If you’re detail-oriented, collaborative, and energized by working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes of groundbreaking research. Under the direction of the Director or Senior Manager, the Senior Sponsored Research Administrator manages complex sponsored projects across the full lifecycle and serves as a primary resource to faculty for proposal development, compliance interpretation, and award management. This role applies advanced knowledge of sponsor regulations and institutional policies to support high volume and high complexity research portfolios. The Senior SRA operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a mentor to junior staff, providing training and guidance across the institute while ensuring proposals and awards are compliant, accurate, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
- Three (3) or more years of experience in sponsored research administration.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex proposals and multiple concurrent submissions.
- Strong working knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor guidelines.
- Experience with systems such as InfoEd, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons.
- Advanced knowledge of federal sponsor regulations and institutional policies.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues independently.
- Effective communication skills with faculty, leadership, and external sponsors.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a high volume environment.
- Proficiency with research administration systems and data management tools.
- Strong project management and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to provide training, mentorship, and leadership to junior staff.
Nice To Haves
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and submission of complex proposals, including multi PI, multi site, and interdisciplinary projects.
- Develop and review detailed budgets and provide guidance on cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
- Interpret sponsor guidelines and advise faculty on proposal strategy and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate cross functional teams and manage timelines for high priority submissions.
- Identify funding opportunities aligned with faculty research and institutional priorities.
- Review proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance prior to submission.
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff and institute partners on proposal development and submission processes.
- Analyze award terms and conditions and advise on compliance requirements, risks, and required actions.
- Lead non-financial post award activities including prior approvals, reporting strategy, and closeout.
- Oversee the subaward lifecycle including drafting, negotiation support, and issue resolution.
- Serve as the primary contact for sponsors on administrative matters and respond to inquiries related to award management.
- Resolve complex issues involving faculty, sponsors, and internal partners.
- Provide ongoing mentorship and training to staff on post award processes and compliance requirements.
- Ensure consistent interpretation and application of sponsor and institutional policies across the assigned portfolio.
- Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan featuring a generous employer match of $2 for every $1 you contribute, up to 10% of your salary
- Identity theft protection
- Exclusive savings and experiences through employee discount programs like BenefitHub, FunEx, and TicketsAtWork
- Free parking
- Access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations
- Wellness programs and events throughout the year such as flu shot clinics, health fairs, lunch-and-learns, yoga classes, and more
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
