Research Administrator

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 22 Aug 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Research Administrator
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202201203AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $65,000-$80,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/22/2022
Description of Work Unit
Colorado State University’s (CSU) Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) invites nominations and applications for the position of Research Administrator (Administrator). Sponsored Programs is the primary coordinating and managerial office for externally funded activities of a contractual nature at CSU. OSP oversees the full-range of research administration from proposal review and submission to final invoicing and project close-out.
Colorado State University is a land-grant Carnegie Class Doctoral/Research-Extensive University experiencing aggressive growth in faculty recruitment, student enrollment, and research expenditures. Research productivity per tenure-track faculty member is among the highest in the country within like universities. CSU’s annual research expenditures totaled more than $400 million in 2020.
Position Summary
The Research Administrator reports to the Senior Research Administrator according to the team structure. This position supports the department’s mission of serving and assisting faculty toward their goal of outstanding research and scholarly activities and providing stewardship of sponsored funds through responsible management of contracted activity.
The Administrator provides guidance, direction and instruction regarding all aspects of the proper application and/or adaptation of standards, principles, and other guidelines with regard to the submission of proposals and administration of awards for externally funded activities at CSU. The Administrator may serve as an authorized representative for the approval/submission of proposals.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Candidates with a High School Diploma (or GED) plus a minimum of 4 years’ of research administration experience will be considered for employment in this position (in lieu of a degree).
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in effective writing and communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience in computer proficiencies with word processing, spreadsheets, communications tools and internet navigation
  • Demonstrated experience in basic research skills (e.g., asking questions, resolving discrepancies, evaluating results)
  • Demonstrated experience in providing excellent customer service skills, working in a team environment, collaborative approach to work and, building effective professional relationships
  • Central or departmental sponsored programs administration at a College or University
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Proposal Submission
Duty/Responsibility
Analyze and approve proposals for submission on behalf of the University, using Federal regulations and requirements, sponsor guidelines, University policies, and electronic administration systems. Works with faculty/unit administrators on complex proposals involving multiple investigators, required commitment of Institutional resources, or non-standard terms and conditions to garner institutional commitments and determine level of staffing/Customer Service needed for inter-organizational coordination.
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Financial and Administration
Duty/Responsibility
Liaison between the sponsors and faculty/unit administrators to ensure proposals meet cost accounting standards, sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional policies and procedures. Review non-financial requests/justifications for post-award actions such as no cost extensions and proposal/budget modifications. Process post-award actions. Review agreement amendments.
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Customer Service
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provide formal and informal training to faculty and department staff. Continually update a professional knowledge base by reviewing and analyzing professional literature, U.S. government publications, sponsor regulations and guidelines; interfacing with colleagues; and participating in local, regional, and national professional development and training opportunities. 
  • Performing other duties as necessary to complete the mission of Sponsored Programs. 
  • Provide collaborative and team building approach to front-line employees, first level managers, directors and department heads, university administration, researchers and research staff
Percentage Of Time 50

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Kathy Aitchison, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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