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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.

Job Summary

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), Electrical and Computer Engineering Division (ECE) seeks an experienced research administrator to perform duties related to sponsored pre- and post-award activities. This position requires a proactive individual who will approach the work with a customer service orientation. The research administrator will report to the Research Manager and will work collaboratively with the Research Admin team for ECE.

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/.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time offA retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vestingMany choices for comprehensive health insuranceLife insuranceLong-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesMaternity and Parental LeaveResponsibilities*

Pre-Award Research Administration 

Perform pre-award administrative activities for assigned faculty. Assist departmental faculty and researchers with proposal submissions to various federal and non-federal sponsors. Activities include but are not necessarily limited to developing budgets, budget justifications, reviewing and adhering to proposal submission guidelines, online grant systems, preparing Proposal Approval Forms, preparing and maintaining documents for submission packages, preparing just- in-time requests, facilitate the preparation of IDC waiver requests, coordinate cost-share requests and meet multiple overlapping deadlines in support of both internal and external grant submissions.  

Post-Award Research Administration 

Function as primary contact for faculty, managers, and other staff in a wide range of financial transactions. Reconcile assigned project/grants in a variety of funds including general, gift, recharge, and sponsored research using MReports and Business Objects, prepare monthly reports illustrating revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances to make recommendations and take actions to resolve issues. Enforce various sponsored guidelines and university policies and procedures. Respond to requests for financial information from sponsors. Finalize financial status reports and resolve Uniformed Guidance Monitored Cost issues with Sponsored Programs. Prepare journal entries as required. Review financial reports and alert faculty to areas of concern. Assist with progress reports and manage faculty other support documents.  

Administrative Support 

Provide backup for administrative duties for assigned group of ~25 faculty, ~12 postdoctoral fellows, and over 100 students.  Duties may include travel arrangements, expense reports, conference room reservations, maintaining email lists or websites, escorting guests to/from appointments, set up and clean up of weekly seminars.  

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, plus a minimum of three years of experience in grant administration or higher-level financial activitiesPrior experience with contract and grant administration or relevant experience in a comparable environment with tight regulatory and compliance requirementsExcellent written and oral communication skillsAbility to work independently and exercise good judgement, along with attention to detail and dependabilityAbility to interpret and communicate Department, University, and Sponsor guidelines and policies. Demonstrated experience with multi-project financial review and analysis, with the ability to track and project financial activity and commitments. Knowledge of U-M financial practices and processesPrior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, DOD, DoE, ARPA-EMastery of Excel and ability to adapt to changing technologyAbility to work in a team environment, collaborate effectively with co-workers, and provide excellent customer service. Ability to organize and synthesize complex information about financial aspects, resulting in clear and comprehensive summaries. Routinely exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards, as well as set priorities and manage competing deadlines. Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication Desired Qualifications*Five-plus years of progressively responsible grant management experienceCRA certificationPrevious experience with the U-M eResearch proposal management and regulatory management systemsPrevious experience with data mining in MPathways, BusinessObjects, and other complimentary systemsAdditional Information

Candidates who are not currently employed at the College of Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1500 sign-on bonus. College of Engineering candidates for whom this position represents a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1500 sign-on bonus.

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.