Research Administration Specialist

Job Profile:

Research Administration Specialist 4

Job Family:

Research Administration

Time Type:

Full time

Max Pay – Depends on experience:

$100,000.00 USD Annual

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Responsible for collaborating with faculty and researchers in managing complex aspects of proposal development, development of financial resources and programs, and ensuring compliance with university policies.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000; DOE

The Kerner Lab at Arizona State University, led by Professor Hannah Kerner, is seeking a Research Administration Specialist to lead the operational and strategic coordination of a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary machine learning and remote sensing projects. The lab works at the intersection of AI, Earth and planetary science, and real-world deployment, partnering with organizations such as NASA, FEWS NET, and industry collaborators to translate research into impact.

The Kerner Lab focuses on advancing the foundations and applications of machine learning to foster a more sustainable, responsible, and fair future for all. The lab is conducting research projects in machine learning for remote sensing, algorithmic bias, and machine learning theory. The lab works closely with diverse partners such as NASA Harvest, NASA Acres, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), and Taylor Geospatial to translate research advances into real progress in applied projects and operational systems. The Kerner Lab’s research and applied activities are supported by numerous grants from public and private organizations, including NSF, NASA, and Schmidt Sciences.

Essential Duties:

Project management / operations [60%]

• Develop and implement operational strategies for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders (academic researchers, academic partners, industry partners, government agencies, students, etc.), especially in the area of geospatial AI

• Advance and ensure project progress by setting objectives and deadlines in collaboration with research team and stakeholders, including providing recommendations on how to improve project operations

• Design, suggest, and implement lab-wide operational systems, templates, and workflows to continuously improve lab efficiency and scalability

• Monitor project progress and deliverables;

• Coordinate with Research Advancement team to propose, implement, and manage project budgets and financial goals in accordance with lab grants and costs

• Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track and forecast project budgets, burn rates, and financial risks

• Coordinate with Research Advancement and PI to oversee project reporting and ensure timely submission of deliverables to sponsors

• Build, maintain, and manage relationships with partners while promoting and highlighting the benefits of technological innovation

Proposal development and support [20%]

• Coordinate with Research Advancement team to support grant application processes for funding from government agencies and private sector organizations

• Coordinate with Research Advancement team to track funding opportunities and manage proposal timelines and submissions

Co-supervise research team alongside lab PI [15%]

• Identify students’ needs involved in various projects, and develop and execute strategies to fulfill those needs

• Implement and monitor structured project management practices for students (e.g., sprint planning, milestone tracking)

• Monitor and support student progress toward research and professional goals

Lab visibility / communications [5%]

• Coordinate dissemination of lab outputs (e.g., website, reports, media, partners)

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in academic and research environments

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks and deadlines effectively, as well as help others improve their project management and prioritization

• Comfortable in an interdisciplinary role working with different types of partners with varying levels of technical and domain expertise

• Experience mentoring students, especially graduate students, on non-technical topics such as professional development, time management, presentation and writing skills, etc.

• Proficiency in reporting and content creation software including Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, Adobe, Canva, Mailchimp, and generative AI tools

• Proficiency with project management tools such as Slack, GitHub, Notion, etc.

Working Environment:

• Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended period of sitting.

• This position involves regular use of a computer and standard office equipment. Occasional lifting, moving, or transporting of materials up to 20 pounds may be required.

• Working both independently and within a complex structured team.

• Normally receives no instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments with review of completed tasks.

• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices & policies in selecting methods & techniques for obtaining solutions.

Department Statement:

The School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) is the largest school within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering with locations on the Tempe, Polytechnic and Online campuses.  SCAI has a nationally recognized faculty that conducts research, instructs and mentors students, and provides service to the profession and the community. Our degree programs are widely recognized and offer opportunities for students to participate in research.  Our research impact encompasses “Computing data into information – secure and affordable, anytime, anywhere”.

The Fulton Schools of Engineering follows a framework of values designed to distinguish our practice and guide daily decisions in our academic, research, corporate engagement and entrepreneurial endeavors.  These values influence how we recognize, reward and communicate our achievements.  At the Fulton Schools of Engineering, we:

Cultivate excellence

Deliver innovation that matters

Encourage bold thinking

Foster a community of learning and collaboration

Build a foundation for all to be successful

Working at ASU has outstanding benefits that include:  health, dental and vision insurance plans; ASI/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities, and more.  To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: Tempe

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.

https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$22248.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter

• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

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Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.