Research Services Associate

Summary

The Great Lakes Research Center 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 GLRC administers include the Ecosystem Science Center, the Center for Innovation in Sustainability and Resiliency; and the Earth, Planetary, Space Science Institute. Newly established Centers are being launched in the areas of innovation and incubation; and marine engineering, limnology, technology, and sensing, fostering the growth of research thrusts in sustainable wood products, earth systems modeling, snow and ice ecosystem cycling, AI and ML applied to marine sensing, geospatial information systems, and K-12 environmental literacy and curriculum delivery.

The GLRC 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 the GLRC 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, fundraising campaigns, and award nominations.
10. Coordinate updated news content for the University's marketing team for inclusion in Tech Today, social media, website, and news features. Assist with the development and distribution of marketing materials.
11. Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning and applying continuous improvement strategies to everyday work.
12. Contribute as a member of the GLRC'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.
13. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
14. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

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 Apps.
* 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
* MS 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

* Demonstrated success in working with persons of a wide variety of personal characteristics, knowledge bases, and viewpoints
* Knowledge in preparing and organizing documents for government grants and industry contracts
* Knowledge of financial management, budget development, tracking, and monitoring

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 will 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

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Business & Program Development, GLRC

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Additional Information

Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before October 3, 2025