New

Senior Research Administrator

North Carolina State University

$72,000 - $76,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Oct 07, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194255EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Senior Research Administrator
Anticipated Hiring Range	$72,000 - $76,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	College of Natural Resources
About the Department	The College of Natural Resources is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to thrive out in the world. We encourage our award-winning faculty to work across disciplines and find innovative solutions to global challenges. And we partner with industry and government to put our research to work in communities everywhere. For almost a century, the college has served vital industries in North Carolina - including the state's largest manufacturing sector, forest and wood products, its largest service sector, tourism, and more than half a million-forest landowners. Together these industries sustain more than half a million jobs and generate $50 billion in annual economic impact. But our research goes even farther afield: We're recognized globally as experts in sustainability, the management of land and water, and solutions at the intersection of built and natural environments. In keeping with NC State's land-grant mission, we are dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre and post award activities. The CNR Research office develops and submits grant and contract applications, processes and collaborates with negotiations, as well as the post award accounting management and overall grant oversight.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Senior Research Administrator will manage a complex portfolio of sponsored projects within the College of Natural Resources. The incumbent will manage projects throughout all stages of the project life cycle beginning with proposal development through project closeout. The Senior Research Administrator acts independently to make decisions and authorize actions throughout the life of the project, including not only direct project costs but also any committed cost share. Business Management (30%) Assists Principal Investigators (PIs) in the development, review, and submission of all Federal, State, and foundation grants and contracts applications. Manages timelines and the overall progression of submission to ensure the on-time completion of high quality, responsive and compliant proposal applications. Prepares grant budgets and budget justifications based on the scope of work provided and RFA technical content requirements in full compliance with sponsor and NCSU policies. Provides advice and guidance to researchers, team members, and other stakeholders on grant funding policies, regulations, and procedures. Maintains standards: budget templates, standardized checklists for core staff and PIs tailored to the sponsor/mechanism, standardized filing system using shared drives, updated resources and facilities. Develops and maintains a positive relationship with funding agencies, collaborating organizations and multiple internal offices Financial Management (30%) Provides comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of sponsored funds, reviewing, and monitoring financial transactions for allocability, allowability, and reasonableness. Reviews new awards, procedures, regulations and conducts new award meetings to inform the lead PI and other stakeholders on requirements of the new award. Meets with faculty members no less than quarterly to discuss status of sponsored funds, prepares any necessary/requested reports to display balance projections based on burn-rate, staffing, and other variables. Advises PI on budget adjustments and revisions necessary to meet the sponsor requirements and facilitates timely processing of said adjustments or revisions through the Project Modification Request (PMR) system. Understands and applies accounting principles and practices to a variety of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and other fiscal functions to the contracts and grants (ledger 5). Performs sub award management, from establishment of new subawards through monitoring expenditures compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines. Tracks and reports all committed cost share in accordance with award terms and conditions and institutional requirements. Works with PIs to facilitate the completion of sponsored project annual progress reports. Works collaboratively with Contracts and Grants staff on Project/Grant Financial reporting (interim and final) and closeout. Maintains financial records in accordance with NCSU record retention guidelines. Human Resources Management (20%) Conducts the effort monitoring process for all faculty and staff paid or cost shared on sponsored projects, including regular review of faculty effort. Initiates salary distribution changes to ensure individuals working on sponsored projects are paid accordingly. Reviews human resource transactions for accuracy and compliance and authorizes charges to the sponsored projects. Works closely with faculty, departmental staff, human resources, and student services to ensure staff and student appointments are timely. Partners with College and central office to research, analyze and resolve any identified HR and payroll issues, alerting Business Office of any areas of concern. Assist with annual effort certifications, as well as processing of as-needed certifications for qualifying faculty and staff who leave employment during the fiscal year. Information Analysis and Communication (20%) Interprets University, Federal, and other sponsor policies; advise faculty and other stakeholders on their implications; and recommend various possible courses of action. Applies Federal and University rules to appropriately manage effort for individuals compensated, in whole or in part, from sponsored awards. Interprets departmental policies and procedures, making decisions on specific operating problems and issuing instructions on behalf of unit.
Other Responsibilities	Provides back-up support for the research administration team. Actively identifies, participates in, and leads process improvement activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Graduation from a four-year college or university with a minimum of two years experience in research administration, budgeting, research, or administrative management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Other Required Qualifications	Previous contracts and grant experience Proficiency in MS Excel Strong organizational and communication skills. Must demonstrate a proactive, collaborative and customer focused work style Ability to learn processes and systems quickly and be flexible to change and organizational growth Must demonstrate strong computer and web-based experience to include strong skills with Microsoft Office products (i.e. Word and Excel) and Google Apps (i.e. Drive, Docs, Forms, Sheets) as well as demonstrated capabilities to use proprietary software packages and web-based financial management systems. Knowledge of accounting principles and practices with the ability to plan budgets. Ability to interpret and apply complete Federal and State fiscal regulations to analyze and correct accounting and financial problems and errors. Ability to establish effective working relationships with business and program personnel. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent organizational and problem solving skills. Attention to detail, ability to work under pressure Ability to assess and resolve unprecedented problems that require research and review of policy and procedures, and regulations. Apply judgement for problem resolutions or program requirements.
Preferred Qualifications	Prefer 3+ years of university experience in Contracts and Grants. Experience with PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RADAR, Grants.gov, NSF Fastlane. Knowledge of University research administration (Pre and Post-Award), Cost Accounting Standards, Budget Development and Federal, State and University policies and procedures is a plus. Understanding of audit requirements and a thorough knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, financial practices, federal circulars, governmental accounting standards board (GASB), fund accounting, budgeting, and state and university policies and regulations. Knowledge of sponsored research process and procedures, as well as experience in pre-award and closeout process for sponsored research. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	10/07/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111363
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	150101 - College of Natural Resources
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.