Research Administration Professionals

Job details

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is seeking Research Administration Professionals to support a growing portfolio of sponsored research activities across both Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) and clinical departments. 

These newly created roles will serve as key partners to Principal Investigators (PIs) and Institutional Research Administration teams, supporting a diverse portfolio of federal, state, industry, foundation, and privately funded research grants and contracts. Individuals in these positions will play an important role in supporting research growth, advancing operational excellence, and helping to shape a scalable research administration model across the institution.

Opportunities are available across pre-award, post-award, and integrated (pre and post) research administration functions. Successful candidates will be aligned to a portfolio based on departmental and institutional needs and may support pre-award activities, post-award activities, or the full grant lifecycle. 

Candidates may be considered for appointment at the Associate Research Administrator, Research Administrator and Sr. Research Administration level based on their experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration.  

Role Overview: 

• Partner with Principal Investigators and research teams to support research administration activities throughout the grant lifecycle. 
• Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of application forms and required administrative documents; and guide proposal strategy, timelines and submission progress.  
• Assist with the preparation, review, submission, and administration of grant proposals, contracts, and sponsored research applications. 
• Develop budgets, budget justifications, financial reports, and support documentation in accordance with sponsor and institutional requirements. 
• Financial oversight of assigned research area, partnering with investigators and central offices on spending strategies and long-term financial sustainability 
• Monitor sponsored project expenditures and support financial management activities to ensure appropriate use of funds and compliance with sponsor guidelines. 
• Reconcile financial activity, investigate discrepancies, and support corrective actions as needed. 
• Assist with forecasting, effort reporting, payroll allocations, purchasing, invoice processing, subaward administration, and award management activities. 
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and institutional policies to support compliant research administration practices. 
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, Research Financial Management, Grants and Contracts, departmental leadership, and external sponsors. 
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with sponsor, regulatory, and institutional requirements. 
• Support process improvement initiatives that enhance research administration services and operational effectiveness. 

Key Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience required; or 7-10 years of directly related research administration experience in lieu of a degree.  
• Experience supporting sponsored research administration, grants administration, financial management, research operations, or related activities in an academic, healthcare, government, nonprofit, or research environment. 
• Knowledge of pre-award, post-award, or integrated research administration principles preferred. 
• Experience supporting federal, state, foundation, industry, or privately sponsored research programs preferred. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with financial, reporting, or research administration systems preferred. 
• Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Tableau, Cognos, or similar platforms is a plus. 

Core Skills: 

• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build trusted relationships with investigators and stakeholders. 
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance and financial stewardship. 
• Ability to interpret policies, analyze information, and develop practical solutions. 
• Effective communication and collaboration skills. 
• Adaptability and continuous improvement mindset. 

Additional Information:  

• Location: Hybrid  
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hrs.  
• Reporting to Director, Research Initiatives

​Helpful Links: 

• Compensation Philosophy
• Benefits

​Final title and compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise in research administration. 

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.