Sr. Research Administrator / Lead Research Administrator

About Us

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

We are seeking a Sr. Research Administrator / Lead Research Administrator in the Department of Medicine. This role will serve as a senior partner to Investigators and Institutional Research Administration teams. The incumbent will provide comprehensive pre-award and financial post-award support across a complex portfolio of federally, state, industry, and privately funded research grants and contracts, while helping to elevate best practices and operational excellence across the Department.

Role Overview

• Lead the pre-award and post-award portfolio management for assigned researchers, exercising independent judgment in managing complex funding portfolios and competing priorities.
• Interpret and advise on sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities; coordinate completion of agency application forms and required administrative documents; and guide proposal strategy, timelines, and submission progress. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assume advanced financial oversight of assigned research business areas, partnering with investigators and central offices to develop budgets, spending strategies, and long-term financial plans aligned with research goals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex research administration issues, partnering cross-functionally to resolve challenges efficiently.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior research administrators, including review of work products such as budgets, submissions, and financial reports.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies and procedures, circulars, laws, and federal acquisition regulations applicable to sponsored programs.
• 5-7+ years' experience in research administration in a healthcare or academic research setting, with demonstrated experience managing complex or high-volume portfolios.
• Strong exposure to both pre-award and post-award research administration.
• Knowledge of financial operations activity, including creating requisitions, expense reimbursements, payroll allocations, and monitoring financials through reporting.
• Mid-to-sophisticated level skills in Microsoft Office and business intelligence products such as Tableau or Cognos

Core Skills

• Outstanding communication and self-awareness, able to effectively interact with faculty and administrators.
• Accurate in developing and leading budgets, projecting expenditures, and leading recommended solutions.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining professional and courteous service to our customers.
• Maintain high work standards and integrity of financial principles and stewardship with minimum supervision.

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hrs.
• Reporting to Director, Department of Medicine