Research Program Administrator

Job Title
Research Program Administrator

Requisition Number
RE52315

Working Title
Principal Research Training, Operations, and Compliance Specialist

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:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

4 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time; and repetitive motion related to computer work.

Shift

Monday-Friday; 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST.

Job Summary

The Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a Principal Research Training, Operations, and Compliance Specialist.

This position will play a key role in operations analysis and compliance. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, …

• develop standard operating procedures, FAQs for best practices, and provide guidance to OSPA RA and AA staff on those practices
• oversee compliance framework for OSPA operating procedures (AA and operations handbook) and develop and maintain standard operation processes and guides (RA staff handbook)
• lead strategic evaluations of duplicative, inefficient, or outdated processes, involving university policies, a variety of sponsor regulations, policies, and guidelines as they relate to grants administration, OSPA systems (Outlook inboxes, OSPA database, or other systems) and OSPA Research Administrator processes
• serve as a subject matter expert for OSPA operation processes and be able to solicit input from staff and troubleshoot issues, focused on problem solving and finding solutions

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative environment.

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: http://www.uky.edu/hr/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

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://www.research.uky.edu/office-sponsored-projects-administration

UK Benefits
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.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
11/23/2025

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.