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University of Kentucky

Research Administrator Sr

🇺🇸 Remote - US

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $52K - $86K

💻 Other

🗓️ July 23rd, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring a Research Administrator Sr. This role manages the administration of external sponsored projects, acting as the liaison between sponsor agencies and university personnel, reviewing proposals, negotiating awards, and providing post-award guidance to support groundbreaking research across the university.

Highlights
  • Administer external sponsored projects including grants and contracts university-wide.
  • Serve as the administrative liaison for sponsor agencies, university faculty, and staff.
  • Review sponsor proposal guidelines, identify issues, and manage proposal submissions.
  • Negotiate and review awards, handle award acceptance, signatures, and account establishment.
  • Interpret and implement university policies, sponsor regulations, and state law.
  • Provide post-award administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsors.
  • Required software knowledge includes Adobe and Excel.
  • Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree with 4 years of related experience; Certified Research Administrator preferred.
  • Salary range: $52,021 to $85,800 per year.
  • Department manages over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation.

Research Administrator Sr Full Description

Research Administrator Sr

Job Title  | Research Administrator Sr
Requisition Number  | RE50992
Working Title  |
Department Name  | 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration
Work Location  | Lexington, KY
Grade Level  | 46
Salary Range  | $52,021-85,800/year
Type of Position  | Staff
Position Time Status  | Full-Time
Required Education  | MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:  | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience  | 4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification  | None.
Physical Requirements  | Sitting for long periods of time; and repetitive motion related to computer work.
Shift  | Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm; and additional hours as needed.
Job Summary  | Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of KentuckyWildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!

Why Join Us?
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administrator Senior. This vital role supports the preparation, submission, and management of grants and contracts, enabling groundbreaking research across the University.

About the Role:
This position is eligible for remote work.
As a Research Administrator Senior, you will be responsible for the administration of external sponsored projects (grants and contracts) University wide. This includes: acting as the University of Kentucky administrative liaison for sponsor agencies and University faculty and staff review of sponsor proposal guidelines proposal review and identification and communication of issues with proposals and proposal budgets proposal submission to sponsor agency award review and negotiation with sponsors award acceptance and signature sponsored project account establishment interpretation and implementation of University policies and procedures interpretation of sponsor regulations and State law providing responsive and appropriate post-award administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsor agencies

A successful candidate will have the ability to understand, interpret, and research complex and varied regulations, think critically and work collegially in order to successfully resolve questions and issues for faculty, staff, and colleagues, communicate timely and professionally to a diverse range of individuals, have the ability to multitask and prioritize, have a strong attention to detail, and have a willingness to be a lifelong learner.

Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation. Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list. 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science. Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research. Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.

Want to learn more about the Department?
OSPA is responsible for administering over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts awarded through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. Services are available to all University faculty and staff and include: advice and assistance with budget preparation and other administrative requirements of proposals; proposal submission; review, negotiation and acceptance of awards; interpretation and information regarding sponsor policies and regulations; preparation of subcontract documents; administration of UK’s Conflict of Interest Policy. More information about the department can be found at: https://www.research.uky.edu/office-sponsored-projects-administration.

Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?
The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration?
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us at UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration as the next dedicatedResearch Administrator Senior and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.

The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: http://www.uky.edu/hr/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.
Driving Research Excellence – Apply Today!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities  | Adobe, and Excel.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?  | No
Preferred Education/Experience  | Certified Research Administrator preferred.
Deadline to Apply  | 07/29/2025
Our University Community  | We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Describe any previous experience with reviewing and/or negotiating contracts or agreements. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  2. * Describe any previous experience managing contracts and/or grants. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  3. * What is the nature of your experience with administering policy and/or regulation? 
    (Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents

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