Location
Evanston, Illinois
Department: Temp Center
Salary/Grade: TMP/01 Position: Temporary Senior Research Administrator Hours: This is a part-time position (10 hours, Monday-Friday) Pay: $22.00 per hour
Campus:
Approximate start date:6/1/2026
Approximate end date:7/20/2026 Northwestern University is seeking a temporary Senior Research Administrator.
Temporary Job Description: Provides administrative leadership by incorporating a significant amount of experience in support of unit's research programs and mission. May provide sole support to a small to mid-sized unit, or support a portion of activities in a larger unit. Using extensive research administration experience within the same unit, coordinates all aspects of multiple grant &/or contract pre- & post-award activities. Assists in developing new funding opportunities & strategic plans regarding grants &/or contracts by providing guidance & counsel in regard to grant &/or contract administration which includes attending internal & external meetings, interpreting clauses, reviewing contracts, & resolving reporting &/or expense problems. Reviews associated policy & procedures & recommends changes to increase productivity & effectiveness. Specific Responsibilities: Complexity
Typically administers multiple research projects such as: Complex multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants &/or contracts Research portfolio for a more complex small to mid-sized unit NIH U-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs. NIH P-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs. NIH T-approximately $100-$200K+/yr. over multiple yrs. DOD and industry awards Center or program grants Proposals with cost sharing Fixed-price contracts Non-funded negotiations such as NDAs, user agreements Pre-Award
Manages pre-award administration of grants and &/or contracts. Coordinates proposal submission. Coordinates budget and justification preparation. Completes sponsor and university proposal forms. Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols; sub-recipients, facilities, administrative costs, space, and co-investigator agreements. Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions. Post-Award
Coordinates post-award activities. Forecasts & provides information for reports on financial status of projects. Completes expenditure reviews. Reconciles monthly payroll entries. Verifies & processes cost share entries. Proposes resolutions to overdrafts. Prepares interim & final financial reports. Facilitates account close out activities. Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration. Financial
Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge. Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes. Human Resources
Compliance
Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration. Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice. Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty. Supervision
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. A minimum of 5 years' experience required with 2 years of research administration and 3 years of research, finance, administrative or other relevant experience. Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Organization, time management, detail oriented Multi-tasking, communication Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress Managing people Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
5 years research administration related experience Degree in finance, accounting, business, or related experience Experience with federal grants management Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Intermediate to advance software proficiency, including Excel, and ability and willingness to learn and become proficient in additional programs as relevant Familiarity with system-to-system proposal development software such as InfoEd Proposal Development Demonstrated ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, multi-task, and meet deadlines Detail-oriented self-starter who is also pro-active, diplomatic in approach, and skilled at stress management, particularly related to grant-related deadlines Multi-tasking, clear communication Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing In addition to salary, this temporary position is eligible for paid time off and paid sick time in accordance with Northwestern University policies. This position is not eligible for other benefits offered to regular staff positions. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
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Northwestern University
paid time off, sick time
May 21, 2026