Research Services Associate

Research Services Associate

Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/1021/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=494273&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us) Job No: 26191

Department: Frontiers Research Institute

Work Type: Staff - Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional

Applications Close:

Ensured Consideration Date: November 8, 2026

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate (https://www.mtu.edu/admissions/academics/majors/) and graduate (https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/degrees/) degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

The Frontiers Research Institute (FRI) is a Tier 1 multi-disciplinary research Institute at Michigan Tech that provides comprehensive research support services to researchers across all colleges and administrative units at the University. Existing affiliated Centers that FRI administers include the Institute of Materials Processing (IMP), the Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center (MARC), the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI), and Research and Innovation in STEAM Education (RISE).

The Frontiers Research Institute is looking for a professional to join the research administration team to support continued research growth. Ideal candidates are those who demonstrate flexibility in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, have strong attention to detail, thrive in a team-based environment, and are successful in navigating a fast-paced environment that is highly deadline driven.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Provide comprehensive research support services including pre-award support, which involves supporting the research process by working with the research team, Sponsored Programs Office, and other University business units; reviewing funding opportunities for submission requirements; budget and budget justification development; content review and formatting; and post-award project management including financial tracking and reporting.

2. Work independently to manage the workflow of multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, track and manage deadlines, and work with other research support staff to establish organizational protocols and processes for research support services.

3. Maintain a professional, efficient, safe, and welcoming environment for colleagues, research clients, and students. Adapt processes and procedures to the diverse roles and evolving needs of FRI and its affiliated Centers.

4. Utilize BANNER, WebFocus, Perceptive Content, Cayuse, and ASPIRE to track research and financial data. Identify and prepare routine and ad hoc reports that assist in the operation and reporting needs of the Institute and the affiliated Centers.

5. Analyze information and independently resolve problems in the efficient delivery of research services; resolve, escalate, or route incoming requests appropriately. Seek solutions to support timely research delivery.

6. Anticipate the operational needs and deadlines and work with leadership to assist in the execution of short- and long-term goals of the organization.

7. Develop and maintain a collegial relationship with staff in other departments / units / institutes / centers towards maintaining a productive research support network.

8. Participate in meetings and serve as an organizational representative on committees, if requested.

9. Support the planning and organization of unit functions, retreats, receptions, social gatherings, conferences, and guest speakers.

10. Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning and applying continuous improvement strategies to everyday work.

11. Contribute as a member of FRI’s research administration team, taking responsibility for your work assignments, participating as a team member, and providing back-up as needed to support others in their assignments towards research growth for the University.

12. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

13. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

14. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor's degree

Required Experience

• Relevant experience organizing and coordinating multiple research tasks including budgets, personnel documents, and supporting information for various clients/projects simultaneously.

• Proficiency in advanced features of standard office software, such as MS Office and Adobe products and web-based productivity resources, such as Google Workspace.

• Experience coordinating and leading people and processes to meet desired objectives.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Previous experience providing pre-award support.

• Experience working in higher education, specifically focused on the delivery of University-based research.

• Masters or PhD

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.

• Demonstrated ability to plan work, manage team timelines, and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to work as a team.

• Ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential information.

• Demonstrated ability to think creatively to arrive at desired outcomes while employing efficiency.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a number of tasks/projects simultaneously, with the ability to prioritize and negotiate towards a desired outcome.

• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Knowledge in preparing and organizing documents for government grants and industry contracts

• Knowledge of financial management, budget development, tracking, and monitoring

• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Annual Data Security Training

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Title IX Training

Additional training may be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $52,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Director of Business Operations

Posting Type

Internal & External Posting

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [email protected].

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (https://www.mtu.edu/publicsafety/pdfs/annual-report.pdf) contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice (https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/docs/aod-notification.pdf) that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

Advertised: 23 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications Close: