The Department of Ophthalmology is seeking a highly motivated Research Administrator 2 (RA 2) to support faculty Principal Investigators (PIs) in the development and submission of external research proposals. This position will contribute to the department’s research mission by coordinating and managing pre-award activities, ensuring proposals are complete, accurate, and submitted in accordance with sponsor and Stanford requirements.
The RA 2 will independently manage a variety of research proposals, including grants, contracts, program projects, and cooperative agreements, and will coordinate proposal components involving multiple PIs, subaward sites, and cross-school collaborations. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines with limited supervision. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for working effectively with faculty, research teams, central research administration offices, and external collaborators. This role is well suited for someone who enjoys supporting research, navigating complex processes, and working collaboratively in a dynamic academic and medical environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Complex proposal preparation experience in an academic environment.
- Experience managing multiple projects and timelines in a dynamic research setting.
- Extreme attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of sponsored project guidelines and the research regulatory environment.
- Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
- Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
- * - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .
Core Duties:
- Participate with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; review documents for completeness and compliance.
- Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification.
- Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries.
- Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers.
- Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
- Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create effective forecasting and decision aides.
- Participate in contract closeout process; submit final reports and certificates. Compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries.
- Understand, apply, and advise on university and government policies for projects.
- Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.
- Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Lead other staff in group projects
- May participate as a mentor and provide cross-training as needed.
Bachelor’s degree and three years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures.
- Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
- Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
- Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
- Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II within first year in role.
- Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
- Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
- Competency in project management.
- Extreme attention to detail.
- Ability to work well independently, but also to seek or offer assistance when needed.
- Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.
