The MSU Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology is seeking an independent and detail-oriented Research Administrator to join our team and serve as the primary resource for research administration. The successful candidate will assist in managing a research portfolio exceeding $25 million, sourced from NIH, NSF, DOD, USDA, and other extramural funding organizations. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The successful candidate will provide support in project development, grant and contract administration, compliance, and financial management for research activities. 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Support administration of grants, contracts, and sponsored post-award. 

• Assist in monitoring project financials, budgets, and the preparation of financial reports. 

• Advise on ongoing stewardship of research funds. 

• Process project closeout activities and assist in developing final reports. 

• Coordinate the processing of cost share entries and effort reporting. 

• Review financials, data, and regulatory documentation for accuracy. 

• Assist with the management of facilities, equipment, supplies, and research records. 

• Support the development of research budgets, billing processes, and reporting mechanisms. 

• Track progress of invoices, payments, and subcontract. 

• Review compliance components including conflict of interest reporting and program evaluation.

• Assist in the training of researchers and staff on regulatory compliance.

The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Department Statement:

The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

The Physiology Department Mission:

• Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
• Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
• Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
• Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.

The Department of Physiology at Michigan State University embraces diversity in its faculty, students, and staff. We are committed to providing an environment that nurtures and values the inclusion of different backgrounds, ideas, perspectives, and skills. Engaging the unique and diverse contributions of our department members results in innovation and excellence in our research, teaching, service, and outreach. We take pride in the strength of our diversity and our ability to work together with respect and equality.

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business administration, Accounting, Finance, or a research-related field. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration including the area of pre or post award processes, or related field such as regulatory administration, financial management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Proficiency in Excel for developing and producing reports and other data management tools. 

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to serve as a liaison between various stakeholders. 

• Effective time management and organizational skills. 

• Knowledge of academic and research protocols, including regulatory requirements. 

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines. 

• This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.  

• Ability to carry out job responsibilities with minimal supervision, determining priorities to meet deadlines, making independent decisions as necessary to serve the functional objectives of the department. 

• Experience with academic human resources protocols involving hiring, visa applications, fixed-term appointments, and fellows. 

• Experience developing and producing Microsoft Access based reports. 

• Knowledge of academic human resources protocols including hiring, visa applications, fixed-term appointments, and fellowships. 

• Strong critical thinking and independent decision-making skills.