Associate Research Administrator

Updated: 9 days ago
Location: Stanford, CALIFORNIA

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 searching for a new career? Are you a great communicator with attention to detail? Then research administration may be the career you have been searching for. 

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 an Associate Research Administrator (ARA). The ARA is our junior-level research administrator position, with a career path to the Research Administrator (RA) level. The ARA 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. Training will be provided so the incumbent will learn to manage the proposal preparation and post-award activities on routine sponsored projects such as federal grants, foundation grants, and simple industrial contracts.


Education & Experience (Required):

  • Bachelor's degree and one year of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

  • Ability to learn and stay updated about university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) to properly administer sponsored projects.
  • Demonstrated understanding of terminology, such as compliance, title, sub-contractor, consultant, audit, and accounting review.
  • Willingness and ability to understand and interpret university policies and procedures.
  • Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated expertise in Excel and web-based tools.
  • Strong accounting skills; knowledge of basic accounting principles.
  • Ability to complete Cardinal Curriculum I and II while in position.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Ability to work well independently, but also to seek assistance when needed.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Certifications & Licenses:

  • Cardinal Curriculum I and II must be completed to remain in this position.

Working Conditions:

  • This is not a remote position however hybrid options will be considered.

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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

Pay Range:

The expected pay range for this position is $33.17 to $43.27 per hour. 

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.

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.

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 audit a course. 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 accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

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 law.



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