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Research Administration Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

University of Iowa

Research Support Specialist

Iowa City, IA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Grants and Research Services Center (GRSC) team seeks applicants who are eager to support grant and research administration services in the College of Education. The Research Support Specialist ...

INNOVO RESEARCH INC

Clinical Research Nurse

Dubuque, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

JOB SUMMARY A Clinical Research Nurse is a member of the research team who serves participants in ... Prepare and monitor administration, usage, and documentation of investigational products and other ...

INNOVO RESEARCH INC

Clinical Research Nurse

Dubuque, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

JOB SUMMARY A Clinical Research Nurse is a member of the research team who serves participants in ... Prepare and monitor administration, usage, and documentation of investigational products and other ...

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All JobsResearch Administration JobsResearch Administration Jobs in Iowa

Research Administration information

See Iowa salary details

$16.4K

$77.2K

$145.1K

How much do research administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for research administration in Iowa is $77,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Research Administration jobs in Iowa?

For Research Administration jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Administration jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Administration jobs in Iowa are:

Research Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Administration job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,174 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Grants Manager - Research Development

Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Grants Manager - Research Development

Apply now Job no: 492998
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences.

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national executive search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Grants Manager - Research Development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and strategic research administration professional to support the continued growth of DMU's expanding research enterprise. Reporting within the Office of Research, the Grants Manager - Research Development will play a key role in advancing institutional research initiatives through pre-award grant development, funding opportunity identification, faculty support, proposal coordination, and research capacity building.

This position works closely with faculty, staff, and university leadership to strengthen external funding efforts and promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Please note: This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

What You'll Do

  • Identify and disseminate external funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities
  • Support faculty and research teams in proposal development and submission preparation
  • Coordinate grant application timelines, documentation, and internal review processes
  • Assist with proposal editing, formatting, and compliance review
  • Collaborate with faculty to strengthen competitiveness for external funding
  • Develop and deliver research development resources, workshops, and training
  • Build relationships across academic and administrative departments to support research growth initiatives
  • Monitor sponsor guidelines and emerging funding trends

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in research administration, public administration, life sciences, communications, business, or a related field
  • Experience in grant development, research administration, sponsored programs, or higher education administration
  • Strong written communication, project coordination, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative environment
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and funding requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a related discipline
  • Experience supporting grant proposal development in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
  • Familiarity with federal sponsors including NIH, NSF, HRSA, DoD, or private foundations
  • Experience with electronic research administration systems and proposal submission platforms
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or related certification preferred

Total Rewards

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward medical coverage, a 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, wellness resources, and generous paid time off.

To learn more about DMU benefits and culture, visit:
www.dmu.edu/employment

About DMU

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution offering multiple graduate degree programs across the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and Health Sciences.

In 2023, DMU relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, featuring technology-rich educational spaces and expanded state-of-the-art research facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU's mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

  • Cover letter
  • CV or resume
  • Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile: Grants Manager - Research Development | Scott Healy & Associates

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description

Advertised: 21 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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