1

Research Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Administration information

See salary details

$17.5K

$82.2K

$154.5K

How much do research administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research administration 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research administration?

To thrive in Research Administration, you need a strong background in grant management, compliance, budgeting, and knowledge of research regulations, often supported by a relevant degree such as in business, science, or public administration. Familiarity with electronic research administration (eRA) systems, federal grant databases, and certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) are commonly required. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively coordinate between researchers, sponsors, and institutional offices. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring that research projects comply with regulations, are properly funded, and progress smoothly within institutional and sponsor guidelines.

Are research administration jobs high paying?

Research administration jobs typically offer competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. These roles often require strong organizational and communication skills and may include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, contributing to overall compensation. While salaries can be above average in some regions, they generally align with other administrative or project management roles in the research sector.

What is research administration?

Research administration refers to the management and support of research projects within organizations such as universities, hospitals, and research institutes. Professionals in this field help researchers secure funding, ensure compliance with regulations, manage budgets, and oversee grant applications and reporting. Their work is essential for the smooth operation of research activities and helps facilitate scientific discovery and innovation. Research administrators often act as liaisons between researchers, funding agencies, and institutional leadership.

What does research administration do?

Research administration involves managing and supporting the process of conducting research projects, including tasks such as preparing grant proposals, overseeing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and coordinating between researchers and funding agencies. Professionals in this field often use project management skills and knowledge of research policies to facilitate successful project execution.

What is the difference between Research Administration vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch AdministrationResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field; certifications like CRA or CCRP are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles may prefer or require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, managing grants, budgets, compliance, and institutional policiesOn-site at research sites, coordinating daily activities of research studies
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, hospitalsResearch sites, hospitals, academic institutions

Research Administration focuses on managing grants, compliance, and institutional policies, often in an office setting. Research Coordinators handle the day-to-day operations of research studies, working directly with research participants and staff. Both roles are essential in the research process but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in research administration, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in research administration is managing complex compliance requirements across various funding agencies, which often necessitates meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of regulations. Additionally, research administrators frequently juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Collaborating effectively with researchers, finance teams, and external sponsors is essential, as is continuous professional development to stay ahead of evolving guidelines. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and participating in professional associations can also help new administrators navigate these challenges.
More about Research Administration jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Administration jobs? Cities with the most Research Administration job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Administration jobs? The most popular types of Research Administration jobs are:
What states have the most Research Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Administration jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Administration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,164 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Research Administration Manager

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Job Summary:
Reporting directly to the Division Manager, the Research Administration Manager serves as the Hematology and Oncology Division's point of contact for post-award research administration and ensures faculty are provided with high quality, accurate, responsive, and responsible post-award research administration services. This position will provide analytical and financial expertise and leadership for a team of Research Financial Analysts who support contracts and grant administration including post-award fund management activities associated with invoicing, forecasting, planning and managing of research portfolios, and closeout for federal, state, local, private sponsors, and clinical trials for the Hematology and Oncology Division. This position requires expert knowledge of Department of Medicine and University finance systems including PeopleSoft, MyReports, UCPath, cFTE Portal, OnCore, Clinical Billing Portal, PRISM, and the Department's budget tool. This position will have direct oversight and approval authority for GL Verification, Award Verification, journals and cost-transfers (PeopleSoft), and Funding Entries and Direct Retros (UCPath). This position will work with the Finance Manager to prepare and maintain the faculty statements, track and report on faculty compensation arrangements and financial commitments; and assist with the development of the divisional annual operating budget. This position is responsible for providing direct supervision and professional development of staff and will perform other duties as assigned.
Department Summary:
The Division of Hematology/Oncology is one of the largest and most complex divisions in the Department of Medicine. Currently, the Division has 100 Full-time faculty, 15 emeritus and volunteer faculty, 25 ACGME and non-ACGME fellows, 24 post-doctoral fellows, 58 non-faculty academics, and 51 administrative, research, and programmatic staff. The Division's primary research, clinical and teaching functions are primarily split between the Parnassus and Mission Bay campuses, although the faculty, fellows, and staff have appointments and clinical, research, and educational activities at ZSFG, and VAMC as well.
Responsibilities
% of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)30%
Coordinates operations of department with other contract and grant professionals and managers in the organization.
  • Direct supervision and professional development of Research Financial Analysts (RFAs)
  • Determine staffing and budget needs for the research administration finance team and present recommendations to the Division Manager
  • Provide feedback, performance evaluations, and effectively manage performance issues
  • Develop training and mentoring plans for direct reports
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and identify problem areas for team development and training
  • Facilitate training sessions to provide for ongoing staff development, including time management, analysis and interpretation of financial reports, negotiation, and problem resolution
  • Assess workloads and staffing needs and assure appropriate allocation of resources
  • Support profession growth; foster beneficial relationships among diverse groups and individuals
30%
Supervises and directs the work of a unit with responsibility for quality and quantity of work. Distributes and sets up work; monitors the progress of work of the unit. Performs personnel-related actions.
Ensures delivery of quality customer service to various constituencies.
  • The Research Administration Manager oversees the research administration operation for the Division, ensuring deadlines are met for federal and private research grant post-award activities such as the creation of complex subcontracts, FSR's and other project maintenance functions. Provide ongoing training, professional development, and mentorship for Division RFA's.
  • Plan, assign, and direct all work of the research administration and finance team
  • Assure that the team is updated and aware of all policy changes affecting grant management
  • Ensure monthly BSRs are submitted on time and that overdraft accounts are promptly resolved.
  • Develop and implement divisional policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure sound financial management of all extramural funding.
  • Anticipate and communicate changes in either content or emphasis in agency grants policy statements and grants policy enforcement to ensure division compliance.
  • Enforce SOM exceptional expenditure guidelines and educates staff and faculty on the nature of these guidelines.
  • Will assess, develop and implement automated systems necessary to promote maximum efficiency in post-award management.
  • Make improvements to current operation as needed
  • Serving as the approver for all PeopleSoft journals, and the UCPath system.
10% Applies professional knowledge and experience to prepare, review and / or approve financial transactions. Initiates and/or approves payroll distribution changes to ensure integrity of payroll charged to research accounts. Reviews budget allocations for policy exceptions, conceives of and data management tools, and related business processes. Reviews and reconciles ledger accounts. 10% Leads the organization, planning, establishment and monitoring of fiscal budget control of contracts and grants administration, submissions, budgets, support documents, gifts, endowments and privately funded projects for faculty research programs and departmental operating budgets; Initiates and maintains ongoing, timely and effective communication with all relevant parties throughout the entire post-award process (e.g. agencies, investigators, department administrators and AAs, Research Services Management, contracts and grants, other campus units, etc.) 5% Makes recommendations to higher level managers regarding organization-wide policies and procedures.5% Develops and monitors operational and budget processes, staff FTE, finance, human resources, and space planning.5% Functions as an organization's point person for policies and procedures related to sponsored projects issues and concerns.5% Provides training and professional development, either formally or on-the-job, for staff to ensure subject matter knowledge in appropriate areas (e.g., sponsored project administration, post-award administration, et cetera).100%
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and 5+ years of related work experience including 3+ years of supervisory, lead, or management experience; and / or equivalent experience / training
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Post-Award Research Administration
  • In-depth knowledge of the organization's operational, personnel, and financial transactions and systems related to administration of contracts and grants.
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements.
  • Knowledge of industry and grant funding best practices and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently; excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Service orientation, strong management skills, leadership, sound judgment and decision making, critical thinking and creative problem solving.
  • Demonstrated skills using common desktop / web applications; understanding of research enterprise databases.
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to multiple constituencies.
  • Strong skills in the use of spreadsheet and database software.
  • Ability to manage competiting priorities and direct the work of others accordingly. Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to screen applications, interview candidates, and either make selection decisions or recommend individuals for hire.

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

What University Of California San Francisco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom