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Posted June 11, 2026

Research Administrator Pr

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502 Full Time
Reference: 285195442


University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details
Posting Details

Job Title Research Administrator Pr
Requisition Number RE54742
Working Title
Department Name 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 47
Salary Range $57,158-94,286/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
Required Related Experience
5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting/standing for long periods of time, repetitive motion related to computer work.
Shift
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.
Flexible options include fully remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Job Summary
Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of Kentucky
Wildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!

Why Join Us?
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administrator Principal. This vital role supports the preparation, submission, and management of grants and contracts, enabling groundbreaking research across the University.

About the Role:
This position is eligible for remote work.

As a Research Administrator Principal, you will supervise and support a team of Research Administrators handling sponsored project activities. This role will independently review proposal budgets and forms for a portfolio including complex, multidisciplinary, multi-PI proposals that may include nonstandard sponsor requirements and restrictions. A successful candidate will have the ability to maintain advanced knowledge of research administration, understand, interpret, and research complex and varied regulations; think critically and work collegially to successfully resolve questions and issues for faculty, staff, and colleagues; communicate timely and professionally to a range of individuals; the ability to multitask and prioritize; a strong attention to detail; and a willingness to be a lifelong learner.

Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky
  • Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation.
  • Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list.
  • 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science.
  • Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research.
  • Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.

Want to learn more about the Department?
OSPA is responsible for administering over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts awarded through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. Services are available to all University faculty and staff and include: advice and assistance with budget preparation and other administrative requirements of proposals; proposal submission; review, negotiation and acceptance of awards; interpretation and information regarding sponsor policies and regulations; preparation of subcontract documents; administration of UK’s Conflict of Interest Policy. More information about the department can be found at: https://research.uky.edu/sponsored-project-services/about/OSPA.

Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?
The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration?
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us at UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration as the next dedicated Research Administrator Principal and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.

The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.

Driving Research Excellence – Apply Today!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
JD and previous contract negotiation in a university sponsored projects office preferred.
Certified Research Administrator preferred.
Deadline to Apply 06/23/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.


Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Describe any previous experience managing contracts and/or grants.

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. * What is the nature of your experience with administering policy and/or regulation?

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. * Describe any previous experience with reviewing and/or negotiating contracts or agreements.

    (Open Ended Question)

  4. * Describe any previous experience you have working with grant funding from federal government agencies. You should identify the sponsors and indicate whether your experience is in pre-award or post-award. If your experience includes the Department of Energy (DOE) and/or the Department of Defense (DOD), please include specific details.

    (Open Ended Question)

  5. * Describe your supervisory experience. Include the number of employees whom you have supervised and the level of supervision you provided (i.e. hiring, discipline, training, delegation, performance management, etc.).

    (Open Ended Question)


Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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