Mid Level Research Administrator Jobs
Mid level research administrator jobs go to professionals ready to own grant portfolios end to end, guide junior staff, and move projects forward with limited oversight across academic, nonprofit, and healthcare settings. Openings concentrate in Education, with employers like The University of Michigan, UCLA Health, and Emory University hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Mid Level Research Administrator jobs
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (CVM) at the Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine is seeking a Research Administrator Senior to join its Pre-Award Team.
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine has a growing and robust research program, serving over 130 faculty, $24 million in yearly sponsored research expenditures during FY2024, and a significant volume of non-sponsored activity. Sponsored funding is comprised of awards from National Institutes of Health, industry sponsors, and multiple foundations such as American Heart Association. Clinical trials will be managed in collaboration with the Heart, Vessel, and Blood Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU).
This position provides vacation, sick, and holiday time, as well as the full range of benefits provided by the University of Michigan. In addition, Cardiovascular Medicine pays competitive salaries, commensurate with experience, and boasts a culture of acceptance, openness, and flexibility. We?re looking for an experienced Pre-Award Research Administrator who can bring their skill set to our collaborative pre-award team and be ready to support our professional, friendly and approachable faculty. While we will provide training on department- and university-specific policies and procedures, the ideal candidate will have extensive pre-award experience and be ready to hit the ground running.
Responsibilities*
This position reports to the Pre-Award Research Administration Manager. The CVM Pre-Award team is a supportive environment where we brainstorm solutions, care for each other, and work collaboratively to submit quality proposals on time and with minimal chaos. This position works very closely with faculty and project teams in preparing sponsored research proposal applications. This position will also interact with the Grants Administration staff in the Department of Internal Medicine, the Medical School Grants Office, and ORSP. Additionally, this position will interact with the Clinical Trails Support Unit (CTSU).
Pre-Award Responsibilities:
- Seamlessly manage multiple competing deadlines from a variety of faculty
- Review and communicate sponsor instructions and deadlines for applications
- Provide comprehensive coordination of all aspects of proposal submissions
- Prepare all administrative components of the proposal package, including the PAF, budget, subcontracts, and compile and submit completed proposal packages
- Work closely with faculty, coordinators, staff and students in proposal planning
- Produce complex budgets, detailed budget justifications and costing documentation to meet sponsor requirements, and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include
- Maintain reliable tracking for multiple iterations of budget and other documents to support the proposal submission
- Ensure proposal compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements, regulations and deadlines
- Serve as liaison with sponsors, collaborators, and ORSP
- Guide and track timely submissions through University and sponsor systems
- Participate in budget and contract negotiations, including clinical site activity, with sponsors, as appropriate
- Prepare and process Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreements
- Assist with Unfunded Agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, and data use agreements in eResearch
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives within Research Administration.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of pre-award research administration experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understanding of pre-award research administration and policies, including experience with NIH salary and other NIH specific spending, Uniform Guidance, effort reduction, and budget restrictions
- Experience using typical business software such as Excel, Adobe, and Word; in particular, advanced skills using Excel
- Successful candidates will also have the following character traits:
- Strong integrity, proactive, and high attention to detail
- Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proactive self-starter who can work independently with limited supervision
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability for workload
- Flexible and resilient in the face of change
- Ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of pre-award
- Exercise excellent independent judgement
- Appropriately discern when to ask questions or ask for help
- Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information
- Foster team cohesiveness and positive morale
- Successful candidates will also possess the following skills:
- High degree of analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent customer service skills and exceptional communication skills
- Strong follow-through and follow-up skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Preferred candidates will have exposure to a wide variety of sponsors including National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Heart Association (AHA), Foundations, Department of Defense (DOD), industry contracts, and clinical trials
- Knowledge of pre-award activities involved with sponsored research projects including U-M policies and procedures
- Experience working with Ann Arbor VA split appointments
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Locations
This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285596
Working Title
Pre-Award Research Administrator Sr
Job Title
Research Administrator Sr
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Mobile/Remote
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Int Med-Cardiology
Posting Begin/End Date
11/12/2026 - 11/19/2026
Career Interest
Research
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (CVM) at the Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine is seeking a Research Administrator Senior to join its Pre-Award Team.
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine has a growing and robust research program, serving over 130 faculty, $24 million in yearly sponsored research expenditures during FY2024, and a significant volume of non-sponsored activity. Sponsored funding is comprised of awards from National Institutes of Health, industry sponsors, and multiple foundations such as American Heart Association. Clinical trials will be managed in collaboration with the Heart, Vessel, and Blood Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU).
This position provides vacation, sick, and holiday time, as well as the full range of benefits provided by the University of Michigan. In addition, Cardiovascular Medicine pays competitive salaries, commensurate with experience, and boasts a culture of acceptance, openness, and flexibility. We?re looking for an experienced Pre-Award Research Administrator who can bring their skill set to our collaborative pre-award team and be ready to support our professional, friendly and approachable faculty. While we will provide training on department- and university-specific policies and procedures, the ideal candidate will have extensive pre-award experience and be ready to hit the ground running.
Responsibilities*
This position reports to the Pre-Award Research Administration Manager. The CVM Pre-Award team is a supportive environment where we brainstorm solutions, care for each other, and work collaboratively to submit quality proposals on time and with minimal chaos. This position works very closely with faculty and project teams in preparing sponsored research proposal applications. This position will also interact with the Grants Administration staff in the Department of Internal Medicine, the Medical School Grants Office, and ORSP. Additionally, this position will interact with the Clinical Trails Support Unit (CTSU).
Pre-Award Responsibilities:
- Seamlessly manage multiple competing deadlines from a variety of faculty
- Review and communicate sponsor instructions and deadlines for applications
- Provide comprehensive coordination of all aspects of proposal submissions
- Prepare all administrative components of the proposal package, including the PAF, budget, subcontracts, and compile and submit completed proposal packages
- Work closely with faculty, coordinators, staff and students in proposal planning
- Produce complex budgets, detailed budget justifications and costing documentation to meet sponsor requirements, and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include
- Maintain reliable tracking for multiple iterations of budget and other documents to support the proposal submission
- Ensure proposal compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements, regulations and deadlines
- Serve as liaison with sponsors, collaborators, and ORSP
- Guide and track timely submissions through University and sponsor systems
- Participate in budget and contract negotiations, including clinical site activity, with sponsors, as appropriate
- Prepare and process Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreements
- Assist with Unfunded Agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, and data use agreements in eResearch
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives within Research Administration.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of pre-award research administration experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understanding of pre-award research administration and policies, including experience with NIH salary and other NIH specific spending, Uniform Guidance, effort reduction, and budget restrictions
- Experience using typical business software such as Excel, Adobe, and Word; in particular, advanced skills using Excel
- Successful candidates will also have the following character traits:
- Strong integrity, proactive, and high attention to detail
- Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proactive self-starter who can work independently with limited supervision
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability for workload
- Flexible and resilient in the face of change
- Ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of pre-award
- Exercise excellent independent judgement
- Appropriately discern when to ask questions or ask for help
- Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information
- Foster team cohesiveness and positive morale
- Successful candidates will also possess the following skills:
- High degree of analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent customer service skills and exceptional communication skills
- Strong follow-through and follow-up skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Preferred candidates will have exposure to a wide variety of sponsors including National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Heart Association (AHA), Foundations, Department of Defense (DOD), industry contracts, and clinical trials
- Knowledge of pre-award activities involved with sponsored research projects including U-M policies and procedures
- Experience working with Ann Arbor VA split appointments
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Locations
This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285596
Working Title
Pre-Award Research Administrator Sr
Job Title
Research Administrator Sr
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Mobile/Remote
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Int Med-Cardiology
Posting Begin/End Date
11/12/2026 - 11/19/2026
Career Interest
Research
See All 11 Mid Level Research Administrator Jobs
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Mid Level Research Administrator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level research administrator job?
Position yourself by highlighting direct ownership of research projects, compliance responsibilities, and cross-functional coordination you have already handled. Emphasize experience with grant lifecycle management, regulatory submissions, or budget oversight in your resume and cover letter. Hiring managers at this level want candidates who can demonstrate they have driven outcomes independently, not just supported a senior administrator.
Which companies hire mid level research administrators?
Companies hiring mid level research administrators right now include The University of Michigan, UCLA Health, and Emory University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Universities, hospital systems, federal contractors, and research-focused nonprofits are the most active employers at this experience level.
Are there remote mid level research administrator jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by employer type. About 88% of mid level research administrator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at universities and larger research institutions that require periodic on-site collaboration for compliance reviews and team meetings.
How do I move up to a mid level research administrator role?
Moving from entry level to mid level takes deepening your expertise beyond task execution into project ownership. Focus on taking on full grant cycles independently, building knowledge of federal compliance frameworks, and demonstrating measurable impact such as improved submission timelines or reduced audit findings. Administrators who seek out cross-departmental responsibilities and can show consistent, reliable results tend to make the leap fastest.
Which industries hire the most mid level research administrators?
Mid Level research administrator roles concentrate in Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they manage large volumes of externally funded projects that require dedicated administrators with enough experience to handle compliance and reporting independently.