To serve as a member of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center research administration team. This role supports our researchers conducting groundbreaking research across a wide range of fields such as plasma science, plasma fusion physics, data science and engineering, magnetics and nuclear magnetic imaging, cryogenics, and geothermal engineering. The PSFC has annual research volume of $45 million.
The Research Administrator provides comprehensive pre- and post-award support for a portfolio of Principal Investigators (PIs) and sponsored research programs. Responsibilities include preparing and administering grant proposals and awards; managing research account finances, projections, salary distributions, effort coordination, and expenditures; conducting regular financial meetings with PIs; monitoring overruns and resolving account issues; and ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and Institute policies. The role collaborates extensively with faculty, research staff, Institute offices, funding agencies, and external research partners to support sponsored research activities involving multiple investigators and institutions.
Plan and conduct financial meetings with Principal Investigators and others as appropriate.
• Interact with research staff to address their questions and keep them informed about their grants, provide monthly projection reports for sponsored research accounts, manage effort, salary and other expenses on research accounts. Provide monthly financial projections to PIs as needed and manage assigned research portfolios of several PIs.
• Responsible for proposal preparation and award administration; prepares the preparation, review, and submission of grant proposals and contracts involving multiple investigators, departments, universities, national labs, and private industry; and work with supervisor to address policy, problems and projects related to sponsored projects.
• Conduct analyses of research funding projections and trends, personnel allocations, and other resource management issues. Develop financial reports and forecasts that enable PIs to effectively manage research expenditures and revenues.
• Monitor research and fund overruns; work closely with PI’s and support staff to resolve problematic transactions and clear overruns in an appropriate manner.
• Work constructively while communicating with VPF, RAS, SPA, Audit, Recording Secretary and other Institute offices, as well as with outside funding agencies and research administration officials at collaborating institutions.
• Monitor ongoing sponsored research activity to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, agency and award terms and conditions, and MIT policies. Communicate with sponsors as needed.
• Provide reports to PSFC Assistant Director of Research Administration analyzing financial performance and funds available for research personnel and activities.
• Manage the graduate student RA appointment process for the assigned portfolio of PIs.
• Manage the faculty summer session appointment process for the assigned portfolio of PIs.
• Other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received:
Supervision is provided by the PSFC Assistant Director of Research Administration.
Supervision Exercised:
None.
A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in accounting, finance, or similar field; initiative and the ability to work independently to solve problems with minimal supervision; a good team player and ability to adhere to tight deadlines; strong interpersonal, communication, analysis, and organizational skills; ability to learn changing technologies related to grants and contracts management and federal guidelines and regulations; excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and SAP or similar grants accounting applications. Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment. Experience in managing sponsored awards. PREFERRED: Knowledge of and experience with MIT financial systems.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.