Lead Research Administrator

Exciting Opportunity at MSK! As part of a new Research Administration initiative within the Department of Medicine, MSK is expanding its research support team and seeking Research Administration professionals across multiple career levels. These newly created roles will partner closely with Investigators and Institutional Research Administration teams to provide comprehensive pre-award and financial post-award support across a portfolio of federal, state, industry, and privately funded research grants and contracts. Candidates will play a key role in advancing operational excellence, supporting research growth, and helping shape a scalable research administration model within the Department.

Candidates may be considered for appointment at the Research Administrator, Sr. Research Administrator, or Lead Research Administrator level based on their experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration.

Role Overview: 

• Lead the pre-award and post-award portfolio management for assigned researchers, exercising independent judgment in managing complex funding portfolios and competing priorities. 

• Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of agency application forms and required administrative documents; and guide proposal strategy, timelines, and submission progress. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. 

• Assume advanced financial oversight of assigned research business areas, partnering with investigators and central offices to develop budgets, spending strategies, and long-term financial plans aligned with research goals. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex research administration issues, partnering cross-functionally to resolve challenges efficiently. 

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior research administrators, including review of work products such as budgets, submissions, and financial reports. 

Key Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies and procedures, circulars, laws, and federal acquisition regulations applicable to sponsored programs. 

• Research administration in a healthcare or academic research setting, with demonstrated experience managing complex or high-volume portfolios. 

• Strong exposure to both pre-award and post-award research administration. 

• Knowledge of financial operations activity, including creating requisitions, expense reimbursements, payroll allocations, and monitoring financials through reporting. 

• Mid-to-sophisticated level skills in Microsoft Office and business intelligence products such as Tableau or Cognos 

Core Skills: 

• Outstanding communication and self-awareness, able to effectively interact with faculty and administrators. 

• Accurate in developing and leading budgets, projecting expenditures, and leading recommended solutions. 

• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining professional and courteous service to our customers. 

• Maintain high work standards and integrity of financial principles and stewardship with minimum supervision. 

Additional Information: 

• Location: Hybrid 

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hrs. 

• Reporting to Director, Department of Medicine 

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