Research Administrator

About the Opportunity

About NU-RES

Northeastern University's Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators, and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University. NU — a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio — seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators in securing and managing their extramurally sponsored activities. The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. To learn more about Northeastern's unique academic environment and generous benefits, please visit: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/

Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, NU-RES Hub, the Research Administrator works in partnership with faculty, principal investigators, and University staff to facilitate the effective preparation and submission of sponsored program proposals and related administrative transactions. As part of the NU-RES Hub shared services model, this role serves as a dedicated resource and primary point of contact for faculty within assigned departments and research units/institutes, providing expert guidance across the pre-award lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Proposal Development & Submission Support (70%)

• Advise faculty and research staff on federal, state, and private sponsor requirements, agency-specific guidelines, and internal University policies governing proposal submission

• Assist in the preparation and review of sponsored project proposals submitted to a wide range of federal agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, NEH), state and local government agencies, and private foundations

• Coordinate and assist in the preparation of proposal components including budgets, budget justifications, personnel documentation, facilities & resources statements, and administrative forms, including uploading materials into sponsor portals (Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA Commons, etc.) as applicable

• Develop and review proposal budgets in collaboration with faculty; ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable funding agency cost principles and University F&A and fringe benefit rates

• Solicit and review subaward material as necessary

• Review proposal narratives, attachments, and administrative components to ensure conformance with solicitation requirements and sponsor formatting guidelines prior to authorized institutional sign-off via NU-RES Research Administration

• Manage proposal routing and internal approval workflows within NU-RES

• Maintain organized proposal files and documentation in compliance with institutional records and NU-RES Hub management standards

• Proactively communicate proposal status, deadlines, and outstanding requirements to faculty and NU-RES Research Administration

2. Just-in-Time (JIT) & Pre-Award Administration (15%)

• Coordinate the timely response of faculty and NU-RES Research Administration to funding agency requests received after initial proposal submission but prior to award issuance, including: Updated other support documentation, human subjects or vertebrate animals approvals, and biosketches

• Work with faculty and, as applicable, NU stakeholder offices (e.g., Research Compliance, IRB, IACUC) to gather, verify, and compile required JIT materials; ensure accuracy and completeness before institutional review and submission

• Assist with budget revisions and cost negotiation as necessary

• Assist in the review of Notices of Award (NOA) and pre-award account request processes (as applicable) in coordination with NU-RES central offices

• Coordinate updated subawardee information as needed

3. Compliance, Collaboration & Professional Development (15%)

• Stay current on federal and funding agency-specific regulations, Uniform Guidance, institutional policies, and emerging trends in research administration

• Collaborate with University offices including NU-RES, OGC, CRI, IRB, and IACUC as required

• Participate in institutional and professional development activities, including workshops, webinars, and training programs (e.g., NCURA, SRA International)

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, proposal templates, and guidance resources for the shared services unit

• Lead and participate in standing meetings with Hub client leadership

• Participate in special projects and cross-functional coverage for the shared services team as assigned

• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives within the shared services model to enhance service delivery to the research community

• Serve as a source of information on sponsor and University policies and regulations; offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in research administration in an academic or non-profit setting required; Bachelor's degree preferred

• Working knowledge of federal grant regulations and agency-specific requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200), FAR, and applicable OMB circulars

• Familiarity with funding agency submission systems including Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov / FastLane, and NIH eRA Commons / ASSIST

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey regulatory requirements and institutional policies to a diverse research community

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently in a deadline-driven environment with accuracy and professionalism

• Sound judgment and capacity to exercise discretion in resolving ambiguity and developing practical, compliant solutions

• Commitment to delivering timely, courteous, and high-quality customer service to faculty, staff, and external sponsors

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and research administration systems

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.