What is one of the most important job duties for a research administrator?
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Helping with grant applications, ensuring compliance and coordinating with funders is all part of the job. Show
Access through your institution Buy or subscribe The 2011 earthquake in Japan changed neuroscientist Tadashi Sugihara’s career path forever. Sugihara had been working as a senior research scientist at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Wako, but the damage to his laboratory and other setbacks from the quake prompted him to reconsider his dream of becoming a principal investigator. Up until last year I had been working in scientific research for just over six years. The insecurity of a career in academia had always niggled at me. About eight months into a very stressful postdoc position that didn’t seem to be going anywhere, I felt my heart wasn’t in it anymore and a change was needed. I handed in my notice with two months of my contract left and started to seriously explore my options. An opportunity cropped up for me to carry out the leave cover for an R&D Support Coordinator within a University School. My role covered everything from managing the schools research activity databases to helping researchers prepare grant and ethics applications. It was a really dynamic role and I found it much more socially interactive than my previous laboratory position. I really enjoyed having to liaise with staff and students within my school and external parties on a regular basis. It was also a great confidence booster to receive positive feedback regarding my work and have people show appreciation for the assistance I had given. This was in stark contrast to the frustration of experiments not working out despite the input. Since then I have moved into a Grants and Manuscript Writer role which involves assisting researchers within my institution with grant applications. This involves everything from proofreading and editing, to helping complete online applications. As part of my role I also help with travel arrangements for conferences and other research administration support. At times I do miss lab work, but moving into my new career direction I feel there is more scope to develop my career and greater job security. I am also able to apply the skills I developed during my PhD in my new role. Having a PhD and working within a research administrative role offers a distinct advantage over those who don’t have a research background. One of the most important things is having the working ‘language’ i.e. knowing what a cell is or what the word PCR means. Additionally I have worked on the other side of the fence and have empathy for the needs of researchers. These roles are becoming more common as universities are moving to maximise their research outputs and make academic research more efficient. If you are interested in these roles, search around on LinkedIn and science job websites such as naturejobs.com using terms like Research Support Officer/Research Administration Assistant/Research Grants Writer. The statements on this job standard are intended to describe the general nature of the role and level of work being performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee. Research Administrator Overview
PurposeThe purpose of this position is to provide leadership and a high level of expertise in the grant proposal submission process at Boise State University. Level ScopeFully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees. Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s Degree and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Essential FunctionsKey Responsibilities60% of Time the Research Administrator must:
35% of Time the Research Administrator Determined by department needs 5% of Time the Research Administrator Perform other duties as assigned Work Environment and Physical DemandsSome positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 50 pounds; some positions may involve moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 70 pounds; standing up to eight hours each day; working in all weather conditions; exposure to high noise levels and require wearing hearing protection. Travel RequirementNot applicable for Research Administrator Career PathResearch Administrator, Senior Additional training/education or equivalent experience, as well as business need, are required for movement into higher level jobs. DisclaimerIncumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Final employment offers are contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by the University that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual. In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required. What is the role of a research administrator?Research administrators facilitate the link between research activities and research outcomes. promoting the use of best practices in administration. What you do as a Research Administrator? Build an infrastructure that will support research administration within your department/unit.
What makes a good research administrator?Having the ability to connect with people and get along with everyone makes you an approachable person, which is an absolute must as a research administrator. Positive 'Can-do' Attitude. A great research administrator will have a 'can do' attitude and always attempt to achieve a 'win/win' situation.
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