Senior Research Administrator (Hybrid Schedule)

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on performing work related to research and development of new products, innovation, and improvement of products and processes.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Research Administration duties: Supports the administration of research practices working to achieve the organization's practices goals, plans, priorities, and tracks investments, allocates resources and makes decision regarding research administrative activities.  A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems. 

Job Overview 

This position will be primarily responsible for pre- and post-award administration, financial management of discretionary funds, and facilities management for a large division, department or units within an Institute or may have responsibility of for a multi-disciplinary, specialized research center or academic program. This position may oversee large multi- site clinical studies with several subcontracts. 

*Location for this role is Boston. Local is ideal for a hybrid schedule, but remote may be considered.

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree OR High School Diploma AND Four (4) years of related experience. 

2. Five (5) years’ experience in research administration (pre- and/or post-award). 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Advanced degree preferred. 

2. Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, cooperative agreements. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Guides and facilitates faculty and staff in the development and preparation of research proposals, contracts, sub- contracts, and agreements, including budgets, documentation, and interpretation of funding requirements.  

2. Discusses and resolves administrative problems that arise; and directs the administrative planning for potential new sources of income. 

3. Negotiates budgets with research sponsors. 

4. May manage international research programs, serve on multi-disciplinary project teams submitting large research proposals, and/or oversee lecture series and other academic programs. 

5. Assists faculty with budget monitoring, prepares projections, often using highly confidential data. 

6. May contribute to sections of grants and publications, prepare reports and analyses for faculty, senior management and/or deans. 

7. May coordinate “study section” reviews for allocation of institutional grant monies or center grant pilot and feasibility studies. 

8. May also have responsibility for or input to practice plan budgets or hospital budgets. 

9. May serve on hospital wide or campus wide committees to establish operating procedures and best practices.  

10. Responsible for fellowship appointments and visas for international staff and volunteers. 

11. May have managerial responsibilities, coordinating and overseeing the personnel and payroll issues of the research program/laboratories.  

12. Works with employee, Director, PI and HR to resolve employee relations issues. 

13. Responsible for research compliance issues: human subjects, animal welfare, biohazards, time & effort reporting, general safety issues. Responsible for ensuring that research staff participate in safety training. 

14. May serve as project manager for research space construction or renovations. 

15. Trains and mentors junior level administrative staff; may supervise staff. 

16. Participates as a team member or may serve as lead for special projects in Research Administration. 

17. Interacts with director, PIs and Human Resources regarding new positions, visa applications, hiring, job grading, merit reviews, and terminations. Ensures research staff performance evaluations are completed. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Typical clinical and administrative office setting. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in an academic medical center or university environment. 

2. Ability to communicate with peers as well as investigators. 

3. Full facility with sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration. 

4. Ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies and interpret policy for others. 

5. Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

6. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and familiarity with databases (e.g., experience using MS Access).  

7. Computer programming, database, and statistical analysis skills. 

8. Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle competing demands in order to meet project timelines. 

9. Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment. 

10. Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities as needed. 

11. Ability to be meticulous and detail-oriented. 

12. Requires independent judgment, strong organization and communication skills, and customer service focus. 

13. Ability to maintain confidentiality.