How to Be Research Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 25, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of proper research administration can have a negative effect on the effectiveness of research. When research administrators are not properly trained to handle the task at hand, the quality of the research will suffer. This could include inaccurate data collection, data analysis or project management.

Poor research administration can also lead to delays in the completion of a project, increased costs and a lack of resources. This will ultimately reduce the potential impact of the research on society and the economy. To ensure successful research projects, it is essential to provide adequate training and support to research administrators.

This includes having clear policies and procedures in place, ensuring staff are properly qualified and providing access to appropriate resources.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Research administrators typically must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field related to the type of research they will be overseeing. Potential fields of study include business administration, public policy, economics, accounting, and health administration.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Many employers prefer that research administrators have experience in the field. This could include working in research laboratories or other related positions.
Consider Earning a Master's Degree. Pursuing a master's degree in a field related to research administration can help bolster a candidate's qualifications and make them more attractive to potential employers.
Become Certified. There are several certifications available for research administrators, including the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and the Professional Research Administrator (PRA) certifications. Becoming certified can help research administrators demonstrate their qualifications and expertise to potential employers.
Build Professional Networks. Networking with other research administrators and professionals in the field can be beneficial for research administrators looking for job opportunities or for advice and mentorship.

In order to remain updated and efficient, it is essential to stay on top of current trends, technologies, and best practices. This means regularly reading industry articles, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in professional development activities. it is important to regularly re-evaluate processes and procedures to ensure they are still relevant and effective.

Taking advantage of new tools, software, and techniques can also help streamline operations and eliminate outdated methods. Finally, staying organized and delegating tasks will help save time and energy, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Incorporating these strategies will help keep an organization efficient and up to date with the latest developments.

You may want to check Quality Assurance Administrator, Database Administrator, and Records Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Grants Manager: Develops and implements grant proposals, oversees grant project activities, and monitors grant compliance.
Contract and Grant Administrator: Reviews and evaluates grant applications, administers grants and contracts, and ensures compliance with funding policies.
Research Compliance Officer: Monitors and enforces research compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Research Project Manager: Plans, coordinates and implements research projects, works with faculty and staff on research initiatives, and oversees data collection and analysis.
Research Analyst: Analyzes research data, prepares reports, and provides recommendations to senior management.
Research Coordinator: Executes research protocols, collects data, coordinates research activities, and assists with study design and implementation.
Research Assistant: Assists with the design and implementation of research projects, collects data, performs literature reviews, and supports the research team.
Database Manager: Develops and maintains databases for research activities, analyzes data sets, and prepares reports.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of research protocols and methods
Understanding and knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and grant-writing
Ability to identify research funding opportunities
Proficient in data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques
Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students
Knowledge of research ethics and compliance
Ability to coordinate research activities across multiple disciplines
Proficient in use of computers and associated software programs
Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping

The ability to effectively manage research is a vital skill for any administrator. A successful research administrator must have great organizational skills in order to keep track of data, documents, and other materials. They must also have strong analytical skills to understand the research and find solutions to any problems that may arise.

Furthermore, they must possess excellent communication skills to collaborate with other researchers and gain feedback from stakeholders. All of these skills are essential for research administrators to effectively manage projects and achieve desired outcomes. Without these skills, research administrators may find it difficult to deliver successful results and manage projects effectively, leading to potential delays or failure.

By having the necessary skills, research administrators can ensure that research is conducted efficiently and effectively, resulting in successful outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in research administration?
How would you prioritize tasks when managing a project?
Describe a time when you had to manage competing deadlines.
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when conducting research?
What strategies do you use to stay organized in a fast-paced work environment?
How do you ensure compliance with ethical research standards?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date with the latest research trends?
How would you manage data collection and analysis for a research project?
Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a research partner.
What strategies do you use to ensure research projects are completed on time and on budget?

Common Tools in Industry

Basecamp. A project management tool designed to help teams collaborate, communicate, and stay organized. (Eg: Basecamp helps teams set up tasks, assign to-dos, track progress, and store documents in one centralized place. )
Slack. A communication platform used for collaboration and messaging. (Eg: Slack allows users to exchange direct messages, share files, and create channels for specific topics. )
Asana. An online task management tool used to keep track of projects. (Eg: Asana helps users create tasks, assign due dates, and track progress on projects. )
Trello. A web-based project management tool used to organize tasks into boards. (Eg: Trello helps users create to-do lists and assign tasks to team members. )
Microsoft Teams. A cloud-based platform used for collaboration and communication. (Eg: Microsoft Teams allows users to video conference, share files, and create group chats. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Research Administrators International (ARAI)
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
Society of Research Administrators (SRA)
North American Research Administrators Association (NARRA)
Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)
National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP)
Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA)
European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA)
Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS)
International Society for Research Administration (ISFRA)

We also have Help Desk Administrator, Community Administrator, and Technical Support Administrator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Grant. A financial award from an institution or organization, often to fund research or a project.
Research Proposal. A document detailing the plans for a research project, including the methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes.
Institutional Review Board (IRB). A committee that reviews proposed research and assesses its ethical implications.
Protocol. A document that outlines the specific steps to be taken during a research process.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). A committee that reviews protocols for animal research and ensures compliance with regulations.
Data Management Plan. A plan outlining the process for collecting, organizing, and storing data from a research project.
Project Management. The process of planning, organizing, and controlling the resources of a research project in order to meet its objectives.
Research Ethics. The moral principles and guidelines governing research practices and procedures.
Human Subjects Research. Research involving humans as participants or subjects.
Clinical Trial. A type of research study involving human participants that assesses the safety and effectiveness of drugs, medical devices, or treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Research Administrator? A1: A Research Administrator is a professional who is responsible for managing the financial and logistical aspects of research projects. Q2: What skills are needed to be a Research Administrator? A2: Research Administrators must have strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as knowledge of research principles and regulations. Q3: What tasks does a Research Administrator perform? A3: The tasks of a Research Administrator include budgeting, grant writing, project management, and compliance with applicable regulations. Q4: How much does a Research Administrator typically earn? A4: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Research Administrators in 2020 was $77,810. Q5: What qualifications are needed to become a Research Administrator? A5: To become a Research Administrator, one typically needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or public administration. In addition, experience with research principles and regulations is required.