Research Administrator

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: 5 days ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG194807EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Research Administrator
Anticipated Hiring Range $62,000 - $70,000
Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
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’re 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 and Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre and post award activities. The research administrators in the CNR Research office participate in grants management throughout the life cycle of the award, from proposal development and submission, award management, and closeout.
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. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
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
Essential Job Duties

As part of the College’s research administration team, The Research Administrator plays an important role in supporting faculty and ensuring the effective management of sponsored projects. The position provides financial and administrative support throughout the full award lifecycle, from proposal development and submission through award management, reporting, and closeout. By partnering with faculty and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure sponsored projects are managed effectively and in compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.
Proposal Development and Submission

  • Prepare, compile, and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty through NC State University systems, including RED, and sponsor electronic submission portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and EERE Exchange.
  • Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop proposal budgets, budget justifications, and other required documents in accordance with university and sponsor requirements.
  • Create and maintain RED records for faculty and coordinate with campus offices to facilitate timely and accurate proposal submissions.
  • Provide guidance and training to faculty within the assigned portfolio regarding NC State business processes and requirements for proposal development and submission.
  • Review proposal documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable university and sponsor guidelines.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty throughout the proposal process, identifying potential issues and coordinating resolutions with appropriate university offices.



Award Management

  • Manage an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects by monitoring financial activity, expenditures, budgets, and projections and providing Principal Investigators (PIs) with timely information to support effective project and financial decision-making.
  • Provide financial guidance and oversight by applying accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and university policies to budgeting, forecasting, personnel expenses, cost allocations, and other fiscal activities.
  • Partner with PIs throughout the award lifecycle by conducting regular financial reviews, discussing project spending and future plans, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to keep projects on track.
  • Coordinate award modifications and approvals by preparing and managing project modification requests, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, changes in PI, equipment purchases, travel, pre-award costs, and other actions requiring university or sponsor approval.
  • Manage subcontracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, including setup, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and closeout, while coordinating with PIs, university offices, and sponsoring agencies as needed.
  • Ensure financial and regulatory compliance by monitoring sponsored project activity, reviewing personnel and financial expenditures, supporting effort certification, and addressing issues in accordance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements.
  • Coordinate sponsored project closeout by resolving outstanding financial and administrative matters, completing final reconciliations, obtaining required approvals, maintaining project records, and coordinating timely submission of final reports and documentation.

Grant Reporting

  • Provide financial reports, budget analysis, and consultation to PIs to support effective fiscal management of sponsored projects.
  • Assist PIs and project teams with sponsor-required financial and progress reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and submitted by established deadlines.
  • Monitor and manage cost-share commitments and reporting, including maintaining appropriate supporting documentation and ensuring expenditures are accurately tracked and reported.
  • Reconcile project financial activity and provide supporting documentation for sponsor and university reporting requirements.
  • Respond to questions from faculty and project stakeholders regarding project financial status, reporting requirements, and allowable expenditures.
  • Maintain accurate and complete financial records and documentation to support reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.

If you are a detail-oriented professional who enjoys working with faculty, managing complex projects, and using financial expertise to support research, we’d love to hear from you.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
Minimum Experience/Education – Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis
Other Required Qualifications
  • Previous experience in contracts and grants administration.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based financial management systems.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning and financial management.
  • Experience researching and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements to assess and resolve complex issues using professional judgment.
  • Organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
  • One or more years of university experience in Contracts and Grants administration.
  • Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RED, Grants.gov, and NSF FastLane.
  • Experience with university research administration, including pre-award, post-award, and sponsored project closeout processes.
  • Knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, federal financial requirements, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements.
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or active pursuit of the certification.
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 08/19/2026
Anticipated Close Date 09/02/2026; If posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details


Position Number 00110271
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 [email protected] .
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.

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