Research Administrator 2

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (onsite 3 or more days a week), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. This is a three-year fixed term position with the possibility of renewal dependent on programmatic need and budgetary availability.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale.

The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change. For more information on the school, click here . The Department of Earth System Science’s (ESS) goal is to understand, predict, and respond to human-caused and natural environmental change at local to global scales.

ESS includes a large and growing graduate student and postdoc community. ESS is seeking a full-time Research Administrator (RA) who will provide a full range of administrative, financial and other support associated with sponsored research activities and financial management. The RA will be an integral part of the administrative team.

This position is responsible for budgeting, planning, forecasting, monitoring, reconciliation, monthly reporting to the faculty, and all pre and post award activity for the portfolios of assigned faculty members and their lab groups.

Your Responsibilities

Monitor and advise PI on their entire financial portfolio. Participate with PI in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process; review documents for completeness and compliance. Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification.

Serve as liaison and active partner between PIs, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries. Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers. Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.

Develop and communicate reports supporting project status. Participate in contract closeout process; submit final reports and certificates. Compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries. Understand, apply, and advise on university and government policies for projects. Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.

In addition to the minimum qualifications listed below, our preferred qualifications include: Strong subject matter knowledge and expertise relevant to the position’s areas of responsibility. Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse internal and external audiences. Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, negotiation, and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders.

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and decision-making ability. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. The expected pay range for this position is $102,428 to $119,626 per annum. Core Duties : Participate with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.

Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; review documents for completeness and compliance. Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification. Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries.

Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers. Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue. Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create effective forecasting and decision aides.

Participate in contract closeout process; submit final reports and certificates. Compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries. Understand, apply, and advise on university and government policies for projects. Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.

Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Lead other staff in group projects May participate as a mentor and provide cross-training as needed. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree and three years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.

Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures. Excellent oral, written, and communication skills. Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools. Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles. Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II within first year in role.

Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting. Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications. Competency in project management. Extreme attention to detail. Ability to work well independently, but also to seek or offer assistance when needed.

Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Certificates and Licenses Required Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II must be completed to remain in this position.

Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.