Human Resources

Summary

The Frontiers Research Institute (FRI) is a Tier 1 multi-disciplinary research Institute at Michigan Tech that provides comprehensive research support services to researchers across all colleges and administrative units at the University. Existing affiliated Centers that FRI administers include the Institute of Materials Processing (IMP), the Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center (MARC), the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI), and Research and Innovation in STEAM Education (RISE).

The Frontiers Research Institute is looking for a professional to join the research administration team to support continued research growth. Ideal candidates are those who demonstrate flexibility in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, have strong attention to detail, thrive in a team-based environment, and are successful in navigating a fast-paced environment that is highly deadline driven.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Provide comprehensive research support services including pre-award support, which involves supporting the research process by working with the research team, Sponsored Programs Office, and other University business units; reviewing funding opportunities for submission requirements; budget and budget justification development; content review and formatting; and post-award project management including financial tracking and reporting.
2. Work independently to manage the workflow of multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, track and manage deadlines, and work with other research support staff to establish organizational protocols and processes for research support services.
3. Maintain a professional, efficient, safe, and welcoming environment for colleagues, research clients, and students. Adapt processes and procedures to the diverse roles and evolving needs of FRI and its affiliated Centers.
4. Utilize BANNER, WebFocus, Perceptive Content, Cayuse, and ASPIRE to track research and financial data. Identify and prepare routine and ad hoc reports that assist in the operation and reporting needs of the Institute and the affiliated Centers.
5. Analyze information and independently resolve problems in the efficient delivery of research services; resolve, escalate, or route incoming requests appropriately. Seek solutions to support timely research delivery.
6. Anticipate the operational needs and deadlines and work with leadership to assist in the execution of short- and long-term goals of the organization.
7. Develop and maintain a collegial relationship with staff in other departments / units / institutes / centers towards maintaining a productive research support network.
8. Participate in meetings and serve as an organizational representative on committees, if requested.
9. Support the planning and organization of unit functions, retreats, receptions, social gatherings, conferences, and guest speakers.
10. Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning and applying continuous improvement strategies to everyday work.
11. Contribute as a member of FRI’s research administration team, taking responsibility for your work assignments, participating as a team member, and providing back-up as needed to support others in their assignments towards research growth for the University.
12. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
13. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor's degree

Required Experience

● Relevant experience organizing and coordinating multiple research tasks including budgets, personnel documents, and supporting information for various clients/projects simultaneously.
● Proficiency in advanced features of standard office software, such as MS Office and Adobe products and web-based productivity resources, such as Google Workspace.
● Experience coordinating and leading people and processes to meet desired objectives.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Previous experience providing pre-award support.
● Experience working in higher education, specifically focused on the delivery of University-based research.
● Masters or PhD

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
● Strong oral and written communication skills.
● Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
● Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
● Demonstrated ability to plan work, manage team timelines, and meet deadlines.
● Demonstrated ability to work as a team.
● Ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential information.
● Demonstrated ability to think creatively to arrive at desired outcomes while employing efficiency.
● Demonstrated ability to manage a number of tasks/projects simultaneously, with the ability to prioritize and negotiate towards a desired outcome.
● Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Knowledge in preparing and organizing documents for government grants and industry contracts
● Knowledge of financial management, budget development, tracking, and monitoring
● Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:
● Employee Safety Overview
● Annual Data Security Training
● Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
● Annual Title IX Training

Additional training may be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Director of Business Operations

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter. 

Additional Information