How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an opening for a Research Administrator Intermediate.

This individual will manage a medium research portfolio for assigned faculty and researchers based on the department’s metric workload sheet at an intermediate level.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation’s number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Responsibilities*

Serve as liaison for faculty with College of Engineering and University central offices (Le. Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP)

Continue professional development with lead staff on learning complex project management and complex proposal submissions.

Begin guiding/training new staff on basic proposal submissions.

Pre-Award Research Administration:

Assists the process of proposal submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors ensuring deadlines are met for a group of departmental faculty. Activities include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Developing budgets and budget justifications including coordinating cost-share requests and assisting with IDC waiver requests when needed
• Reviewing and adhering to proposal submission guidelines
• Facilitating or completing sponsor forms
• Preparing Proposal Approval Forms
• Preparing and maintaining documents for submission packages including preparing just-in-time requests

Post-Award Research Administration

Assists in the process of financial review, analysis, projections, and reporting for a group of departmental faculty. Activities include but are  not necessarily limited to:

• Review assigned project/grants in a variety of funds including general, gift, recharge, and sponsored research using MReports, Business Objects and other  tools. This includes reviewing financial transactions.
• Projecting and updating encumbrances
• Faculty portfolio analysis including monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. Alert project directors and administration to areas of concern. Make recommendations and take actions to resolve issues. Responsible for ensuring adherence to various sponsored research and university policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports, illustrating revenues, encumbrances, and projected  balances
• Respond to requests for financial information from sponsors.
• Review and facilitate Financial status reports (FSRs) and complete Uniformed  Guidance (UG) Reports with Sponsored Programs.
• Prepare journal entries as required.
• Assist with financial progress reports.
• Work with faculty to ensure students are fully funded each term.
• Work with faculty to ensure offset requirements are met.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. 3+ years in research administration and/or experience with UM departmental financial systems. Intermediate word processing, advanced spreadsheet, and intermediate presentation software. Must have a basic understanding of enterprise-wide administrative systems. Demonstrates excellent communication skills. Listens attentively.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.