Senior Research Administrator

Senior Research Administrator Northwestern University United States, Illinois, Evanston 633 Clark Street (Show on map) Apr 29, 2026 Apply for Job Job ID 53663 Location Evanston, Illinois Add to Favorite Jobs Email this

Job Department:

SoC Administration

Salary/Grade:

EXS/9

Job Summary:

Provides administrative leadership by incorporating a significant amount of experience in support of unit's research programs and mission. May provide sole support to a small to mid-sized unit, or support a portion of activities in a larger unit. Using extensive research administration experience within the same unit, coordinates all aspects of multiple grant &/or contract pre- & post-award activities. Assists in developing new funding opportunities & strategic plans regarding grants &/or contracts by providing guidance & counsel in regard to grant &/or contract administration which includes attending internal & external meetings, interpreting clauses, reviewing contracts, & resolving reporting &/or expense problems. Reviews associated policy & procedures & recommends changes to increase productivity & effectiveness.

Please note:

Supervisor provides overall objectives & in consultation with EE develops deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objectives & overall compliance with policy & procedures. EE completes majority of activities without direction; consulting with supervisor as needed. EE uses judgment & an extensive amount of experience to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies & procedures & a moderate degree of innovation, analysis, & reasoning to plan & prioritize work that is primarily project oriented & involves some extremely difficult problems &/or decisions. EE interprets policy. Minimum of three days per week in Frances Searle building in Evanston. Assist with website updating and maintenance as needed. Collaboration on the Research newletter as needed.

Specific Responsibilities:

Complexity Typically administers multiple research projects such as: Complex multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants &/or contracts Research portfolio for a more complex small to mid-sized unit NIH U-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs. NIH P-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs. NIH T-approximately $100-$200K+/yr. over multiple yrs. DOD and industry awards Center or program grants Proposals with cost sharing Fixed-price contracts Non-funded negotiations such as NDAs, user agreements Pre-Award Manages pre-award administration of grants and &/or contracts. Coordinates proposal submission. Coordinates budget and justification preparation. Completes sponsor and university proposal forms. Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols; sub-recipients, facilities, administrative costs, space, and co-investigator agreements. Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions. Post-Award Coordinates post-award activities. Forecasts & provides information for reports on financial status of projects. Completes expenditure reviews. Reconciles monthly payroll entries. Verifies & processes cost share entries. Proposes resolutions to overdrafts. Prepares interim & final financial reports. Facilitates account close out activities. Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration. Financial Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge. Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes. Human Resources Provides research administration training. Mentors other administrative staff in research administration. Compliance Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration. Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice. Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty. Supervision Assigns & reviews staff work. Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. A minimum of 5 years' experience required with 2 years of research administration and 3 years of research, finance, administrative or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies:

(Skills, knowledge, and abilities.) Organization, time management, detail oriented Multi-tasking, communication Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress Managing people Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing

Preferred Qualifications:

5 years research administration related experience Degree in finance, accounting, business, or related experience Experience with federal grants management

Preferred Competencies:

(Skills, knowledge, and abilities) Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Intermediate to advance software proficiency, including Excel, and ability and willingness to learn and become proficient in additional programs as relevant Familiarity with system-to-system proposal development software such as CERES Demonstrated ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, multi-task, and meet deadlines Detail-oriented self-starter who is also pro-active, diplomatic in approach, and skilled at stress management, particularly related to grant-related deadlines Multi-tasking, clear communication Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more!

Visit us at https:

//www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.

Visit us at https:

//www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources.

Visit us at https:

//www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.