Research Administration Assistant/Research Administrator I
- Research Administration Assistant: High school diploma and four years of relevant experience of equivalent college coursework in place of experience.
- Research Administrator I: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with post-award activities including budget monitoring, reporting, and payroll distribution.
- Track effort commitments, monitor project expenses, and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines.
- Serve as a liaison between faculty, staff, central administration, and funding sponsors.
- Maintain current knowledge of research compliance, policies, and procedures.
- Contribute to process improvements and assist with special projects as assigned.
Professional Development & Career Pathways
The University of Florida is committed to supporting the growth and success of our research administrators. This position offers:
- Access to professional development workshops, trainings, and certifications (such as CRA certification).
- Opportunities to engage with university-wide committees and working groups.
- Clear pathways for advancement into research administration, leadership, or specialized compliance roles.
- A collaborative environment where initiative and innovation are recognized and rewarded.
- Tuition support through UF’s Employee Education Program (EEP), which provides eligible employees the opportunity to take college courses at no cost, supporting both career advancement and lifelong learning.
Commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Research Administration Assistant: Starting at $22.24/hour
- Research Administrator I: Starting at $24.42/hour
- Research Administration Assistant: High school diploma and four years of relevant experience of equivalent college coursework in place of experience.
- Research Administrator I: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships across faculty, staff, and funding agencies.
- Basic knowledge of sponsor regulations, state policies, and university procedures.
- Ability to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and work independently with sound judgment.
- Experience with PeopleSoft or Workday, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Familiarity with federal guidelines, including the OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service excellence.
In order to be considered for this position, you must upload a cover letter and resume with application.
This is a time-limited position.
This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Freqently Asked Questions
In Gainesville, pursuing certifications like the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) can significantly boost your credentials. Local workshops and university-sponsored trainings provide practical knowledge tailored to the region's academic research environment, helping candidates stand out in competitive research administration roles.
Gainesville's strong university presence drives steady demand for research administration assistants, especially in post-award management. Job seekers benefit from a collaborative ecosystem with opportunities in compliance and grant management, although competition remains moderate due to the concentration of academic institutions.
Demonstrating proficiency in budget oversight, sponsor compliance, and tools like PeopleSoft or Workday is crucial. Additionally, strong communication skills and familiarity with federal regulations such as OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) often distinguish successful applicants in this field.
Daily tasks often involve monitoring project budgets, preparing reports, liaising with faculty and sponsors, and ensuring adherence to research policies. This role requires a mix of financial tracking and administrative coordination to support smooth research project execution.
Starting as a Research Administrator I opens pathways toward leadership in research compliance, grant management, or specialized administrative roles. Universities like the University of Florida offer professional development programs and tuition support, fostering growth within research administration.
The International Epr (Esr) Society emphasizes innovation and collaboration, providing research administrators with access to specialized projects and committee involvement. Their culture rewards initiative, offering a distinct environment compared to typical academic institutions.
Candidates are expected to blend strong organizational skills with a commitment to integrity and regulatory compliance. The society values adaptability and effective communication across departments, which ensures seamless coordination between researchers and funding bodies.
Salaries typically start at approximately $22.24/hour for Research Administration Assistants and around $24.42/hour for Research Administrator I positions in Gainesville. These rates align with local cost of living and institutional standards, reflecting the specialized skill set required.
A Research Administrator I generally requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, while a Research Administration Assistant might enter the field with a high school diploma plus relevant experience or coursework. This educational difference reflects varying levels of responsibility and autonomy.
Applicants must submit both a cover letter and resume, highlighting relevant compliance knowledge and experience with research financial systems. Veterans should include a DD 214 for preference consideration, reflecting the society's inclusive hiring practices.
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