The Research Administrator (RA) role will support the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science by overseeing post-award activity and acting as the lead fiscal officer for the unit. The RA will manage all research accounts within the department, along with testing and general fund accounts. Primary responsibilities include preparing monthly account reconciliations and financial reports; reviewing financial transactions and maintaining functional budget coding accuracy to assist with budget monitoring and forecasting; and compiling and analyzing information to assist with budget reporting and planning. The RA will also assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure that all fiscal activities enhance and align with the strategic direction of the unit.
The ideal candidate will work closely with faculty and staff to support the college's research administration needs. The ideal candidate will be flexible, creative, a motivated self-starter, a collaborative member of the team, enthusiastic, a quick learner, possess sound judgment, reliable, ready and willing to provide office support as required, willing to lend a hand whenever necessary, and an excellent communicator. Must be able to work on several projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
Our department embraces a remote-friendly approach for this position, allowing individuals the opportunity to work remotely for 1 to 2 days per week following the completion of the initial training period.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Finance, or a research-related field; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration in one or more of the research process areas of pre- or post-award processes, such as regulatory administration; experience in word processing, spreadsheet and database software; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. The job also requires: completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.
Desired Qualifications
Experience using EBS/SAP/HR Payroll Systems including BI and Query Studio; experience working with OSP/CGA, federal, state and foundation agencies; knowledge of University policies and procedures; experience in account management, reporting and establishing accounting procedures and controls; ability to multi-task in a very fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong organizational, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills; advanced skills and experience with Microsoft Suite programs, Power BI and Adobe Acrobat.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references.
Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.