Research Administrator 2 (Remote Eligible)

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.
   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• 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.

WORK STANDARDS:

• 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 theadministrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsoredand non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicatesubmission process, both paper and electronic; review documents forcompleteness and compliance.

• Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, and providebudget justification.

• Serve as liaison and active partner between principalinvestigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and otherdepartments; respond to sponsor inquiries.

• Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awardsare set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled;initiate cost transfers.

• Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spendingand commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund andrevenue.

• Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; createeffective forecasting and decision aides.

• Participate in contract closeout process; submit final reportsand certificates. Compile information and documents needed for auditinquiries.

• Understand, apply, and advise on university and governmentpolicies for projects.

• Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technicalresource to principal investigator and other university staff.

• Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Lead otherstaff in group projects

• May participate as a mentor and provide cross-training asneeded.

Minimum Education andExperience

Bachelor’s degree and three years of job-related experience, orcombination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.

• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies andprocedures.

• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.

• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Exceland web-based tools.

• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accountingprinciples.

• Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration FoundationalTraining (CRAFT) I and II within first year in role.

• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, costanalyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.

• Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanfordor 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 offerassistance when needed.

• Ability to review a proposal or manage a project withunderstanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsoredproject.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I andII must be completed to remain in this position.

Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.