Research Administrator

Northeastern University College of Engineering

Research Administrator at Northeastern University assisting faculty with sponsored program proposals. Collaborating with various University stakeholders and managing proposal processes effectively.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $60,315 - $85,192 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Advise faculty and research staff on federal, state, and private sponsor requirements, agency-specific guidelines, and internal University policies governing proposal submission
Assist in the preparation and review of sponsored project proposals submitted to a wide range of federal agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, NEH), state and local government agencies, and private foundations
Coordinate and assist in the preparation of proposal components including budgets, budget justifications, personnel documentation, facilities & resources statements, and administrative forms
Develop and review proposal budgets in collaboration with faculty; ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable funding agency cost principles and University F&A and fringe benefit rates
Solicit and review subaward material as necessary
Review proposal narratives, attachments, and administrative components to ensure conformance with solicitation requirements and sponsor formatting guidelines prior to authorized institutional sign-off via NU-RES Research Administration
Manage proposal routing and internal approval workflows within NU-RES
Maintain organized proposal files and documentation in compliance with institutional records and NU-RES Hub management standards
Proactively communicate proposal status, deadlines, and outstanding requirements to faculty and NU-RES Research Administration
Coordinate the timely response of faculty and NU-RES Research Administration to funding agency requests received after initial proposal submission but prior to award issuance
Work with faculty and, as applicable, NU stakeholder offices (e.g., Research Compliance, IRB, IACUC) to gather, verify, and compile required JIT materials
Assist with budget revisions and cost negotiation as necessary
Assist in the review of Notices of Award (NOA) and pre-award account request processes in coordination with NU-RES central offices
Coordinate updated subawardee information as needed
Stay current on federal and funding agency-specific regulations, Uniform Guidance, institutional policies, and emerging trends in research administration
Collaborate with University offices including NU-RES, OGC, CRI, IRB, and IACUC as required
Participate in institutional and professional development activities, including workshops, webinars, and training programs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in research administration in an academic or non-profit setting required
Bachelor's degree preferred
Working knowledge of federal grant regulations and agency-specific requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200), FAR, and applicable OMB circulars
Familiarity with funding agency submission systems including Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov / FastLane, and NIH eRA Commons / ASSIST
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey regulatory requirements and institutional policies to a diverse research community
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently in a deadline-driven environment with accuracy and professionalism
Sound judgment and capacity to exercise discretion in resolving ambiguity and developing practical, compliant solutions
Commitment to delivering timely, courteous, and high-quality customer service to faculty, staff, and external sponsors
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and research administration systems

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness programs
Life insurance
Retirement plans
Commuting & transportation assistance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

research administrationproposal preparationbudget developmentcost negotiationfederal grant regulationsUniform Guidanceagency-specific requirementsproposal reviewsubaward managementcompliance

Soft Skills

written communicationverbal communicationtime managementprofessionalismcustomer serviceproblem-solvingattention to detailorganizational skillscollaborationdiscretion