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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.

What You'll Do

As an experienced Research Administrator, you will support our vibrant and highly recognized research program by performing a wide range of financial and research administration duties. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research administration with an interest in collaborative process improvement, and career development. The Research Administrator will report to the Research Administration Manager and will work collaboratively with the Aerospace Research Administration Team.

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan's Department of Aerospace Engineering is the first collegiate aeronautics program in the United States--started in 1914, with more than 6,000 aerospace engineers who graduated over the past 100 years. We currently have 24 staff members, 30 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 522 undergraduate and 269 graduate students. The Department of Aerospace Engineering is committed to excellence, leadership, and collaboration in research and education; to service-based leadership at the Institute, national, and international levels; to a passion for air and space vehicles and systems, the technologies that enable them, and the missions they fulfill; and to the personal and professional development of its faculty, staff, and students.

Michigan Aerospace remains a leader in aerospace research and education, covering an expansive array of topics from unmanned air and space vehicles to commercial airliners. The ever-evolving topics in aerospace encompass the traditional areas of gas dynamics, flight dynamics, control, structures and materials while probing visions of future needs for the aerospace enterprise. Research in aerospace engineering brings our best together to solve tough problems. Our annual research expenditures are over $14 million, and we submit approximately 130 proposals per year. Our funding comes from a diverse range of sources, including industry and national funding agencies such as National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DoE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Defense (DoD): Army, Navy, Air Force.

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*

The Aerospace Research Administrator is responsible for expert coordination of the administrative research process for proposal submissions (pre-award) and the detailed management of sponsored funds (post award). This position provides in-depth analysis and recommendations of pre and post award activities for an assigned set of faculty members. The Research Administrator participates in continuous process improvement efforts and supports other team members as needed. Hours may occasionally include evenings and weekends, if necessary, to meet deadlines. This position predominately performs activities and makes decisions independently.

(40%) Pre-award activities include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submissions, as appropriate, with internal and external entities
• Close communication with faculty, staff, and students for proposal planning
• Preparation of complex budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation to meet sponsor and University requirements
• Reading, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements and deadlines
• Preparing the Universitys Proposal Approval Form (PAF) and Unfunded Agreements (UFA) in eResearch and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process
• Entering proposal data and forms into sponsor systems (e.g. NSF Research.gov, NASA NSPIRES, Grant.gov, etc.)

(45%) Post award activities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of University and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members
• Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
• Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, staffing matrices, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios
• Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern

(5%) General fund activities include, but not limited to:

• Providing complete financial management, oversight, and recommendations to assigned faculty
• Funding portfolios including start-ups, research incentives, equipment, and gift funds
• Reviewing and monitoring financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability

(10%) Other duties as assigned include, but not limited to:

• Training new research administrators in department, College, University and sponsor guidelines for compliance and development of job skills
• Maintaining up-to-date training in relevant M-Pathways modules, Business Objects, and other U-M tools and resources
• Attending College and University Research Administration meetings and workshops to remain informed of changing federal, sponsor, and U-M requirements, policies, and procedures
• Providing back-up support for the research administration team to assist faculty and students with pre and post award issues as needed
• Actively participating in process improvement

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience, with five (5) years or more for senior title, in grant administration or higher-level financial activities in a comparable environment with strict regulatory and compliance requirements; demonstrated excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills; the ability to respectfully work with a diverse group of colleagues; ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University and sponsor guidelines and policies; high level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology; demonstrated ability to work independently and also collaborate effectively as part of a team; ability to follow projects through to completion and meet high work standards; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities; strong attention to detail; ability to function productively in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment; must be supportive of, and participate in, change initiatives to improve service, efficiencies and/or productivity; excellent attendance and dependability are essential.

Desired Qualifications*

Five or more years in grant administration or higher-level financial activities in a comparable environment with strict regulatory and compliance requirements; Certified Research Administrator (CRA); extensive knowledge and experience with University financial practices/ processes and administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, MReports, eResearch, and Concur; prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NASA, DoD and DoE; and familiarity with grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, and NSF Research.gov submission processes.

Work Schedule

The Aerospace Engineering Department is committed to providing flexible work arrangements that meet the needs of a diverse workforce while also providing a high level of service to our stakeholders. This position is eligible for flexible work opportunities. Please note that occasional on-site presence will be required. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change based on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at the intermediate level classification. Starting salary and position are dependent upon the qualifications and experience. The requirements listed above reflect the senior level, but those with varied experience are also encouraged to apply. Bachelor's degree and related experience of three (3) years; or three (3) to five (5) years equivalent educational and work experience is the minimum required for the intermediate level.

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.