Researcher in Natural Science

Job Title: Research & Reporting Administrator, IISG
Req ID: 38813
City: West Lafayette

Job Summary

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Research & Reporting Administrator is responsible for managing Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s ~$400,000 per year competitive research portfolio. This includes:

• Leading the analysis and investigation of complex environmental and community challenges to identify and prioritize critical research needs

• Developing requests for proposals based around those needs

• Running research competitions to identify fundable research projects

• Overseeing budgets related to research expenditures

The Administrator will serve as IISG’s liaison to the Research Coordinators Network and will communicate IISG’s funded research results to advisory committees and other interested groups in order to inform future strategic planning and demonstrate program impact.

In addition, this position will spearhead the annual reporting cycle for IISG’s ~$5 million annual program budget, a process that involves collecting quantitative and qualitative data from staff and funded researchers and is responsible for consolidating these inputs, ensuring data integrity, and transforming them into clear, compelling reports that fulfill requirements for our various funding agencies and internal administrative requests.

This leadership position also includes managing the IISG reporting team and delegating tasks as appropriate as well as supervising 3–5 IISG staff members, potentially including the communication coordinator, campus engagement coordinator, administrative and layout assistant, and others as necessary. This includes coaching them on effective work and supporting their professional growth within the organization and across the national Sea Grant Network, ensuring that their work is completed in a timely manner and that their work is aligned with IISG’s broader strategic objectives.

What We're Looking For

• Master’s degree or higher in a natural science, planning, social science or related field relevant to Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

• 4 years of relevant experience

  • 3 years’ experience managing multiple large research budgets, either as a competitive research program manager or as a funded researcher

  • At least 2 years’ experience in supervising, coaching, or mentoring professional staff

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered

  • (Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, planning, social science or related field relevant to Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant + 6 years of relevant experience)

• Knowledge of grants management

• In-depth knowledge of the academic peer-review and research funding process

• Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative reporting data

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and solve complex problems

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g., researchers, agency partners, advisory committees)

• Proficiency in budget analysis and financial tracking

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and contribute to a team environment

• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends to attend occasional events and occasional overnight travel to conferences and meetings

Nice to Have

• Experience with running research competitions, including developing RFPs, finding peer reviewers and managing the peer review process, and making funding recommendations

• Knowledge of federal and state programs and associated federal requirements and guidelines for agencies involved in research, outreach, and education in the Great Lakes

• Knowledge of key IISG-relevant environmental and natural resources issues in Illinois, Indiana, and beyond

• Familiarity with federal project management systems such as eRA Commons

What We'd Like You to Know

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position

• A background check will be required for employment in this position

• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)

• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately

• Purdue University is an EO university

Career Stream

Management 4

Pay Band: S080
Job Code: 20002614

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EO Statement: Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

Posting Start Date: September 22, 2025

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com