Director Robotics Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Department of Robotics seeks an experienced research administrator to perform pre- and post-award activities related to sponsored research. This position is being filled at the Research Administrator Senior or Intermediate level, with placement based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be a proactive, customer service-oriented professional who works collaboratively with the Robotics Research Administration team and reports to the Unit Administrator.
Robotics allows Research Administration staff to work hybrid schedules, with the possibility of a fully remote schedule at a future date. The selected candidate must be a resident of the state of Michigan.
Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding, and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here .
Responsibilities*
Pre-Award Research Administration

• Develop budgets and budget justifications including coordinating cost share requests and assisting with indirect cost waiver requests when needed.
• Review and adhering to proposal submission guidelines.
• Facilitate and/or complete sponsor forms.
• Prepare Proposal Approval Forms (PAF), Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), Unfunded Agreements (UFA) and other internal forms as needed.
• Prepare and maintain documents for submission packages including responding to just-in-time requests.
• Serve as liaison for faculty with College of Engineering and University central offices (i.e. Office of Research and Sponsored Projects [ORSP]).

Post-Award Research Administration & Financial Stewardship

• Review assigned project/grants in a variety of funds including general, gift, recharge, and sponsored research using MReports, Business Objects and other tools. This includes reviewing financial transactions.
• Project and update encumbrances.
• Conduct faculty portfolio analysis including monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. Alert project directors and administration to areas of concern. Make recommendations and take actions to resolve issues.
• Responsible for ensuring adherence to various sponsored research and university policies and procedures.
• Prepare monthly reports, illustrating revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances.
• Partner with faculty, human resources, and student services to coordinate and track graduate student (GSRA), Research Fellow, and staff effort on projects.
• Respond to requests for financial information from sponsors.
• Review and facilitate Financial Status Reports (FSRs) and complete Uniform Guidance (UG) Reports with Sponsored Programs.
• Assist with project closeout process.
• P repare journal entries as required.
• Assist with financial progress reports.
• Work with faculty to ensure students are fully funded each term.
• Work with faculty to ensure offset requirements are met.
• Participate in continuous process improvement efforts.
• Help document best practices and procedures for research administration.

The candidate will ideally spend 50% on pre-award and 50% on post-award. However, this is subject to the candidate's experience and strengths, and the needs of our team.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must possess grant and contract administration experience commensurate with the level of the position:

• Research Administrator Intermediate: 3-5 years
• Research Administrator Senior: 5-7+ years of progressively responsible experience

Excellent communication skills are required. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment, along with attention to detail and dependability are essential.
Skills You Have

• Ability to interpret and communicate Department, University, and Sponsor guidelines and policies.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-project financial review and analysis, with the ability to track and project financial activity and commitments.
• Knowledge of U-M financial practices and processes strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOD and DoE strongly preferred.
• Mastery of Excel and ability to adapt to changing technology is essential.
• Must have the ability to work in a team environment, collaborate effectively with coworkers, and provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to organize and synthesize complex information about particular financial aspects, resulting in clear and comprehensive summaries.
• Candidates will need to exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards, as well as the ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Business Objects and M-Pathways.

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous experience with the U-M eResearch Proposal Management system.
• Previous experience with data mining in MPathways, Business Objects, and other complementary systems is desired.
• Knowledge and application of project management best practices in a changing organizational landscape.

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. There are two levels possible - Intermediate and Senior. The salary range for the two levels is $68,000 - $97,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with level of position. A higher salary may be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate.
Additional Information
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
282525
Working Title
Robotics Research Administrator Senior/Intermediate
Job Title
Research Administrator Sr
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Robotics
Posting Begin/End Date
9/02/2026 - 9/16/2026
Salary
$68,000.00 - $97,000.00
Career Interest
Research