How To Become A Research Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a research administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Janice Garnett Ed.D.

Research administrators are responsible for funding research divisions in educational institutions and non-profit organizations, among others. They support their research teams to secure funds by finding funding sources, planning the required forms and recommendations to seek funding, and dispersing this funding to various parties in need.

To decide which parties are eligible for funding, research administrators may need to do objective analyses, review applications, and consult with other researchers to determine how much funding is required and for what reasons, such as materials, personnel, and travel. They also monitor the budgets of the research divisions to ensure that they conform to the restrictions and regulations.

This is typically a full-time job in the office setting, although some travel can be required to collaborate with different sponsors. A bachelor's degree may be a prerequisite qualification for this position, and previous academic experience may also be required. Some employers may favor applicants with a master's degree and work experience.

What general advice would you give to a research administrator?

Janice Garnett Ed.D.

Senior Lecturer, University of Nebraska - Omaha

Negotiate based on research, develop a career development plan, focus on enhancing performance, professional growth, and continuous learning.

ScoreResearch AdministratorUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,667

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 8.77%

Black or African American 2.60%

Hispanic or Latino 15.49%

Unknown 7.62%

White 65.00%

Gender

female 69.36%

male 30.64%

Age - 43.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43.5

Stress level

5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a research administrator

Explore research administrator education requirements

Most common research administrator degrees

Bachelor's

62.5 %

Master's

18.2 %

Associate

9.0 %

Start to develop specific research administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Research Administration	10.29%
Customer Service	7.93%
Principal Investigators	6.71%
PIS	6.36%
Pre-award	5.78%

Complete relevant research administrator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research administrator resumes.

Research research administrator duties and responsibilities

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.

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When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research administrator resume.

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