The School of Engineering (SoE)
Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.
Are you ready for the next step in your research administration career? If you have three years of research administration experience, this role may be perfect for you. On behalf of eight SoE academic departments, the Engineering Research Administration (ERA) administers approximately 920 annual awards and $121 million in annual sponsored research. ERA is a high-volume and productive administrative unit, and the ERA staff collectively manage the pre- and post-award activities for a large and diverse portfolio of sponsoring agencies (over 290 different agencies). ERA is looking for a Research Administrator (RA) who will provide a full range of administrative, financial and other tasks associated with pre- and post-award sponsored research activities and services, including proposal preparation and post-award management of funds and budgets. The RA will manage the proposal preparation and post-award activities on routine sponsored projects such as federal grants, foundation grants, and industrial contracts.
This position is eligible for remote work. The RA has an option to be remote, hybrid, or entirely in the office. The RA will be asked to attend certain in-person work events during the year regardless of remote status.
In this role, you will:
- 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 the 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. *Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):
- 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 Curriculum 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.
Certifications & Licenses:
- Cardinal Curriculum I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
- Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.
Physical Requirements*
- Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
- Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
Work Standards:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.
How to Apply:
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
