Sponsored Research Administrator

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

VAI is seeking to hire two full-time Sponsored Research Administrators. As a Sponsored Research Administrator, you will join the Office of Sponsored Research team where you will be responsible for pre-award and select post-award administration functions related to sponsored programs and projects submitted to and awarded from federal, state, and local government, private funding agencies, pass-thru subawards, internal competitions, and industry sponsored research agreements.

Your key responsibilities:

• Process administrative actions related to sponsored award activity in accordance with sponsor and internal policies and procedures.
• Assist with department reporting, including reports provided to other departments or for external purposes.  This will include supporting organizational reporting initiatives and audit activities.
• Routinely perform analysis, review, and evaluation during processing of administrative actions, always keeping in consideration policy or compliance concerns.
• Track deliverable deadlines and project period dates.
• Assist with the development and preparation of internal forms, policies, procedures, and processes or process improvements required to facilitate grant/contract administration.
• Other administrative and reporting duties as assigned

You should possess the following characteristics/traits:

• Outstanding customer support, poise, tact, and diplomacy
• Meticulously detail-oriented and highly organized
• Capable of working independently and a commitment to being part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable in a continuously evolving operational environment
• Eager to continue growing, learning, and developing professionally

To be a successful member of our team, we will measure performance in the following areas:

• Customer satisfaction and collaboration – you embrace a philosophy that everyone is a customer, including peers and teammates
• Initiative and ownership – you are a self-starter and are responsible for the quality and accuracy of your work
• Problem solving and resourcefulness – you demonstrate creative critical thinking and exercise good judgement and intuition
• Timeliness – you thrive in a deadline-driven environment

The experience/skills you should have: 

• Analytical and budgetary skills
• Detail and deadline oriented
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required but will consider an individual with a High School diploma/GED with appropriate corresponding work experience.
• Previous work experience in legal/contractual, financial, scientific, administrative management, or related field preferred.
• Experience with report writing software and databases is a plus
• Proficient with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

What you’ll like most about working at Van Andel Institute:

• Your work will make a difference in the future of human health and science education
• You will be surrounded by driven, hardworking scientists and professionals
• New opportunities and challenges are always arising
• The Institute and department offer several fun, team-building events, creating a community
• The opportunity to learn new perspectives and share yours in a diverse, collaborative environment
• Flexible work schedules available.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective day one! The competitive pay you can expect as a Sponsored Research Administrator is based on your experience and skills.

Your next steps

This is just a quick preview of the role. If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! We encourage you to Apply Today!

To apply please submit:

• Online Application
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter outlining your current and future goals and why you are interested in this role.
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

These positions will be open until filled and will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan Doerr at [email protected]. 

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.   

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.