Research Administrator - Post-Award

The Research Administrator (RA) is responsible for providing comprehensive support for post-award research administration. This role ensures compliance with institutional, sponsor, and federal regulations while facilitating the efficient administration of sponsored research projects. The RA will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), department leadership, and central research administration offices to manage sponsored projects from time of award through award closeout. The RA is expected to provide excellent customer service, ensuring that faculty and researchers receive timely, accurate, and proactive support.

RAs belong to a shared service model which oversees a variety of grant types (clinical and basic science research) across a variety of departments. Volume and complexity of portfolio increase with skill.

This role is eligible for remote work through VCU's Flexible Work Arrangement benefit. Candidates living outside of the Richmond metro area are encouraged to apply, but may be required to come on-campus on occasion (no more than twice annually) for in-service training and professional development activities. Remote employees must successfully meet position requirements and performance expectations to maintain continued eligibility for this benefit.

Minimum Qualifications

• →Candidates with 2 or more years of direct pre and post award research administration experience may be considered for Research Administrator slotting.
• →Candidates with more than 4 years of direct post award research administration experience may be considered for Sr. Research Administrator slotting
• →Bachelor’s degree required
• →Must possess ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms.
• →Must have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, be pro-active in asking questions and seeking guidance when needed.
• →Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• →Must be precise, thorough, and reliable and perform daily activities with minimal supervision.
• →Must be proficient in the use of computers with an ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe required.
• →RA candidates: Must be proficient in the following areas: budget development, analyze financial transactions for trends and variances; expense forecasting; creating reports and tracking tools; financial reconciliation, monitoring for compliance to sponsor and institutional terms/policy.
• →Ability to work as part of a dynamic team is required.
• →Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• →Prior experience in administrative and financial management in an academic setting (to include a working knowledge of state/university purchasing, travel, personnel administration policies and procedures) will be preferred.
• →For RA consideration; in addition to direct experience requirements, Certified Research Administrators (CRA) or those with ability and desire to obtain a CRA w/in 2 years preferred.
• →Master’s Degree preferred
• →Additionally, general understanding of IRB and IACUC policies pertaining to regulatory requirements in animal and human research is a plus.

Position will remain open until filled. Applications received by October 23rd, 2026 will be given priority consideration.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!