Research Administrator 2

Updated: 13 days ago
Location: Stanford, CALIFORNIA

Stanford University is seeking a Research Administrator 2 to work under minimal supervision to manage the proposal preparation and/or post award activities on grants, contracts, program projects, and federal grants, both routine and complex in the Department of Pathology.

About the Department of Pathology:

The Department of Pathology is a founding department of the Stanford School of Medicine and one of the leading departments in the United States. Our preeminent faculty spans from emerging leaders to highly accomplished physicians and scientists, including a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and basic understanding of the human disease.  This is done through discovery (research), education, and clinical care.    

You will be working with an unparalleled leading-edge community of faculty and staff that are fundamentally changing the world of health care. You will have the opportunity to influence and drive change with your innovative ideas, the ability to make a difference and participate in human advancements.  Our culture is fast-paced, energetic, and growing all of the time.

We offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional medical, dental, retirement, and savings options:

  • Events and program for children, sports camps, tuition options
  • World-class intellectual stimulation through learning and development classes, workshops, and onsite conferences from leading-edge speakers and faculty
  • Work/life and family-friendly policies and reimbursement
  • Participation in Stanford’s social responsibility and sustainable programs for a better world
  • A vibrant university culture that values the uniqueness of each individual

We are seeking candidates who are progressive thinkers, see challenges as simply problems to solve, and have the spirit and energy to change the world.

Comprised of extraordinary faculty and staff, our mission is to improve the ability to diagnose, treat and understand the origin and manifestation of human disease, and to care for those who have or are at risk to develop disease.  We accomplish this through our clinical services (in all fields of anatomic and clinical pathology, including molecular and genomic pathology, histocompatibility testing and transfusion medicine) and be research (which includes basic, translational and clinical research into the origins and manifestations of disease, including efforts to improve disease prediction and prevention as part of the goal of achieving precision medicine and health), and also by educating future leaders in pathology and related fields.  Everything we do is to achieve the goals of providing the highest quality of clinical services to the patients for whom we passionately care, to advance our ability to understand, diagnose, monitor and ultimately to cure disease or to prevent or delay its occurrence, and to provide outstanding education and career development opportunities to those who share these goals.

For more information about the department visit http://pathology.stanford.edu/

About this Position:

Stanford University is seeking a Research Administrator 2 in the Department of Pathology to assist with pre- and post- award grant management. You will be responsible for reviewing and reconciling accounting transactions and supporting documents for accuracy, authorization and compliance. You will prepare monthly reports to the Department’s faculty members you are assigned to support. In addition, you will participate in department review of processes and assist in testing and implementing the procedures.  You are expected to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining adherence to deadlines and compliance procedures.

You should be highly organized, proactive, extremely detail oriented and be able to multi-task with ease in a fast-paced

environment. Regardless of your assignment, you will be expected to demonstrate strong business judgement, professional etiquette and develop program management skills. In addition to having a “can-do” attitude and pleasant demeanor, you must have extraordinary communication skills that allow you to interact with a diverse group of people.

Duties include:
  • 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. 

* - Other duties may also be assigned


Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiar with Oracle, ReportMart3, Business Objects and other Stanford systems. 
  • Three or more years of sponsored project administration.

Education & Experience (Required):

  • Bachelor's degree and three years of job related experience, or combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and 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 would be an advantage

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. 

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

  • This position has the opportunity to work fully remote.
  • Routine extended hours during peak and busy times; travel to school/unit sites across the University

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. The expected pay range for this position is $68,000 to $108,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

  • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
  • A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
  • A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
  • Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
  • Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more


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.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by



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