Research Administrator I

Position Summary

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Administrator to join our team! This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys making a direct impact on the success of research.

In this position, you will serve as the fiscal officer to oversee post-award activity, including the management of research, start-up, scholarly activity, and fee-for-service accounts. You will provide critical financial support for compliance and reporting requirements by preparing reconciliations, reviewing effort reports, verifying data for university research reports, tracking income and expenses, assisting with project closeouts, forecasting and monitoring budgets, and serving as a liaison between faculty, Contracts & Grants Administration, staff, and external sponsors. Through these actions, you will help shape the department’s financial strategy and ensure accurate and timely reporting.

The ideal candidate will work closely with faculty and staff to support the college’s research administration needs while helping develop and implement policies and controls that advance groundbreaking research. We’re seeking a flexible, motivated self-starter who is both detail-oriented and a big-picture problem-solver. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, a collaborative team player, and someone who thrives in a deadline-driven environment. Reliability, sound judgment, enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to contribute—whether by providing fiscal expertise or general office support—are key. The ability to juggle multiple priorities with confidence, pivot in response to university changes, and learn quickly will make you a valued partner in advancing the success of faculty, students, and staff across the department.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

This position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work. The specific details of the work arrangement will be discussed with and determined by the supervisor, taking into consideration the needs of both the employee and the department.

Minimum Requirements

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/KFS/BI and HR Payroll systems; experience worki ng 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
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://www.egr.msu.edu/cee/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends October 21, 2025, 11:55 PM