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Pre Award Research Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Pre-Award Research Coordinator, you'll be a trusted partner to principal investigators from the ... Build and maintain relationships with OSU research administrators and external funding agencies to ...

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Pre Award Research Administrator information

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$17.5K

$82.2K

$154.5K

How much do pre award research administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for pre award research administrator in the United States is $82,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pre award research administrator?

Pre Award Research Administrators are professionals who assist researchers and faculty with the preparation, review, and submission of grant proposals before funding is awarded. They help ensure that proposals comply with institutional, sponsor, and federal guidelines. Their responsibilities often include budget development, document review, and communication with funding agencies. By providing this support, they help maximize the chances of securing research funding and reduce administrative burdens on researchers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pre award research administrator?

To thrive as a Pre Award Research Administrator, you need a solid understanding of grant proposal development, budget preparation, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with research administration software like Cayuse or InfoEd, as well as certification such as CRA (Certified Research Administrator), is typically valuable. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with faculty and ensuring accurate submissions. These competencies are essential for securing funding, maintaining compliance, and supporting successful research initiatives.

What challenges do pre award research administrators face when preparing grant proposals?

Pre Award Research Administrators often face tight deadlines and shifting requirements when preparing grant proposals, which can require juggling multiple projects at once. Navigating complex funding guidelines and ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor policies are also frequent challenges. Effective communication and collaboration with principal investigators, faculty, and other departments are key to addressing these challenges and ensuring successful, timely submissions.

What is the difference between Pre Award Research Administrator vs Research Coordinator?

AspectPre Award Research AdministratorResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like NSF or NIH grants management beneficialBachelor's degree typically required; relevant research or project management experience
Work EnvironmentOffice setting within research institutions or universitiesOffice and laboratory settings, coordinating research activities
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesResearch institutions, universities, healthcare organizations
Primary FocusPreparing grant proposals, budget development, compliance for research fundingManaging research projects, data collection, and participant coordination

The main difference is that Pre Award Research Administrators focus on securing research funding through grant preparation and compliance, while Research Coordinators handle the day-to-day management of research projects. Both roles require strong organizational skills and familiarity with research processes, but their responsibilities and focus areas differ.

More about Pre Award Research Administrator jobs

What cities are hiring for Pre Award Research Administrator jobs?

Cities with the most Pre Award Research Administrator job openings:

What states have the most Pre Award Research Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pre Award Research Administrator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pre Award Research Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,164 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Pre-Award Research Administrator

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, at Stanford University's School of Medicine, is a world-leading department that offers comprehensive training and perioperative patient care, pain management, and critical care medicine as well as cutting-edge research, encompassing a wide spectrum of programs in basic, translational, clinical, health services and medical education.
The Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Pre-Award Research Administrator 2 to join our growing team and support the continued expansion of our dynamic research portfolio. The Department has consistently ranked among the Top 5 anesthesiology departments nationwide in Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research funding over the past three years, reflecting the strength and impact of its research enterprise. The Pre-Award Research Administrator 2 is a crucial team member and will work with minimal supervision to manage the preparation and submission of a diverse portfolio of grant proposals-including federal grants, contracts, and large program projects-ranging from routine to highly complex.
This position will work closely with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and staff to manage the proposal preparation process for sponsored projects, such as federal grants, foundation grants, industrial contracts, and clinical trials. This position will also work closely with Administrative Staff, external departments and institutions, and the School of Medicine Research Management Group.
At Stanford University School of Medicine, the work we do touches the lives of those today and tomorrow. Through education, research, and health care, the School of Medicine improves health through leadership, diversity, collaborative discoveries, and innovation in health care. Whether working in departments with faculty, or in units that support the school, our staff are a part of teams that propel us on our journey toward the future of medicine and Precision Health.
Stanford is rooted in a culture of excellence and values innovation, collaboration, and life-long learning. To foster the talents and aspirations of our staff, Stanford offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends, and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives. An award-winning employer, Stanford offers an exceptional setting for professionals looking to advance their careers.
The School of Medicine and the Department of Anesthesia are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for its faculty, staff, residents, postdocs, and fellows. We aim to recruit, support, retain, and promote diversity in our department.
For more information on our department, please see our website: https://med.stanford.edu/anesthesia.html
Duties include:
  • Participate with principal investigator in the preparation of the administrative components of proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic, review documents for completeness and compliance.
  • Develop and finalize project budgets, in collaboration with RMG and provide budget justification.
  • Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries.
  • Advise and educate junior faculty, CE line faculty, postdocs on the grant submission process (internal/external). In addition to being a resource for PI's, the RA2 will also provide assistance and training for other administrative staff in the area of grants, sponsor processes, and other regulatory matters.
  • Work with department and RMG on streamlining grant process (PIF submission through Just-in-Time).
  • Understand, apply, and advise on university and government policies for projects.
  • Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.
  • Participate in and contribute to process improvements. Lead other staff in group projects
  • May participate as a mentor and provide cross-training as needed.
  • Provide back-up support to the Department Training Grant programs.

* - Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prior proposal preparation with NIH Ks and Rs
  • Experience with any of the following sponsors: NSF, DARPA, ARPA-H

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree and three years of job-related experience, or combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
  • Basic knowledge of governmental regulations.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures.
  • Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
  • Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
  • Ability to complete Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT)within first year in role.
  • Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
  • Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
  • Competency in project management.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Ability to work well independently, but also to seek or offer assistance when needed.
  • Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
  • Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) must be completed to remain in this position.
  • Certified Accountant or Auditor or similar credential desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
  • Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
  • Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
  • Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORK STANDARDS
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $102,428 to $119,626 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

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