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

Feb 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Research Support Administrator is crucial in the success of a research project. They provide essential administrative support, such as project and financial management, to ensure the project runs smoothly and meets its targets. Without this support, projects can experience delays, increased costs, and a decrease in the quality of the output. The Research Support Administrator is also responsible for maintaining communication within the team and with external stakeholders, helping to ensure research projects remain on track and meet their objectives.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement for a research support administrator is typically a bachelor's degree in a field related to the area of research being conducted. Examples include a degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics for scientific research, and economics or business for industry research.
Gain Experience. Experience in a research setting is increasingly important when seeking a research support administrator position. An internship in the field of research or work in the administrative office at a research institution are both good options.
Get Certified. Professional certifications demonstrate expertise and knowledge in a specific field or industry. In the research field, certifications may be available from private organizations or other professional groups.
Build Your Skills. Research administrators need excellent organizational and communication skills. They must be able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize their work, as well as maintain good working relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
Develop Your Network. Networking is an important tool for any job search, and research support administrators should take advantage of any opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help build your network and open up potential job opportunities.

The most reliable and qualified research support administrators are those who possess a combination of knowledge, experience, and technical skills. Knowledge of research methods, techniques, and data analysis is essential, as is an understanding of the research process. Experience in the field of research is also important, as it provides a deep understanding of the nuances of research projects.

Technical skills such as computer programming, database management, and presentation creation can also be beneficial for research support administrators to possess. By having a combination of these elements, research support administrators can ensure that their work is reliable and of the highest quality.

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Job Description

Manage and maintain research databases, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data
Coordinate research projects, ensuring all deadlines are met
Assist researchers with data collection, analysis and presentation
Assist in the preparation of grant applications and reports
Assist in the management of research budgets
Develop and maintain contacts with external organizations to facilitate collaboration on research projects
Prepare and edit documents, including research papers, reports, presentations and other materials
Monitor the progress of research projects and provide timely updates to stakeholders
Provide administrative support to research teams, including scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements and providing general assistance
Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations and laws pertaining to research activities

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and administrative skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of research administration protocols and procedures
Knowledge of research funding sources and grant writing processes
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Proficiency with various software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe
Understanding of financial and budgeting practices
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Strong customer service skills
Familiarity with research regulations, policies, and guidelines
Detail-oriented with an ability to analyze data
Ability to effectively communicate complex information in an understandable manner
Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders

Time management is a key skill for a Research Support Administrator. Properly allocating their time to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner is essential. This involves being able to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and delegate work when possible.

Research Support Administrators must be able to effectively communicate with people inside and outside the organization, as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously. Having strong organizational skills is also critical, as it helps them keep track of all the information associated with their projects and responsibilities. By having excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills, a Research Support Administrator can ensure that the research and administrative work they do is of the highest quality.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Research Support Administrator?
How have you developed relationships with faculty members and other stakeholders in research projects?
What strategies do you use to ensure research project deadlines are met?
How do you handle competing demands from multiple stakeholders in the research process?
Describe your experience with tracking and monitoring research grants and budgets.
How do you effectively manage the administrative demands of multiple research projects?
What methods do you use to ensure the accuracy of data and other information related to research projects?
How do you handle complex administrative tasks related to research grants and contracts?
What steps do you take to maintain compliance with regulatory and institutional policies concerning research projects?
What have been your greatest successes in helping researchers achieve their goals?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A comprehensive set of applications and services used for creating, editing, and managing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. (e. g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Drive. A cloud-based storage platform used for creating, sharing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other files. (e. g. Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Project Management Software. Applications used for managing the resources, timelines, budgets, and other aspects of a project. (e. g. Asana, Trello)
Research Databases. Platforms for accessing and collecting data from various sources for research purposes. (e. g. LexisNexis, Westlaw)
Survey Software. Tools used for creating and distributing surveys to collect data. (e. g. SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)
Collaboration Software. Applications used for virtual meetings and collaborations with colleagues. (e. g. Zoom, Slack)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Coalition for Networked Information (CNI)
Council of Science Editors (CSE)
International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers (STM)
International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP)
National Information Standards Organization (NISO)
Research Data Alliance (RDA)
Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP)
The Academy of Science Editors (ASE)

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Common Important Terms

Grant Writing. The process of writing a proposal to seek funding from an external sponsor. The goal is to convince the potential donor that the project is worth their investment.
Grant Management. The management of a grant from the time it is awarded until the project is completed. This includes budgeting, monitoring progress, and reporting outcomes.
Sponsored Research. Research funded by an external source such as a government agency or private foundation.
Compliance. Adherence to laws, regulations, and other requirements that must be met in order to receive funding or maintain eligibility for a grant.
Proposal Development. The process of creating an application for funding that meets the requirements of the sponsor and outlines the scope, budget, and timeline of the project.
Research Administration. The oversight and management of research activities at an institution, including sponsored research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Support Administrator?

A Research Support Administrator is an individual who assists in the administration of research projects, providing administrative and technical assistance for the management of research projects.

What responsibilities does a Research Support Administrator have?

A Research Support Administrator's responsibilities can include helping to create and manage project budgets, preparing reports on project progress, ensuring compliance with research protocols, and coordinating the project's research activities.

How much experience do you need to become a Research Support Administrator?

To become a Research Support Administrator, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to research administration and two to five years of relevant experience.