University/Campus Location: University of Maine – Orono Campus
Department or Program: Office of Research Administration
Position Title: Graduate Assistant – Administrative
Job Description: The Office of Research Administration’s (ORA) mission is to provide outstanding customer service, guidance and advice to the University community throughout the project lifecycle (submission, acceptance and administration) of externally funded sponsored programs and activities that contribute to the overall mission of the University.
A graduate assistantship in ORA can be an excellent opportunity for a UMaine graduate student to:
- Gain experience in research administration
- Develop familiarity with policies and protocols for seeking, acquiring and managing extramural funds in a university setting
- Develop knowledge of federal regulations such Uniform Guidance (2CFR Part200), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and federal agency specific guidelines
- Have an opportunity to grow and maintain collaborative relationship with UMaine administrators, faculty and staff.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist in the review and processing of awards, amendments and subawards from Federal and State government, industry, and other non-profit organizations
- Assist with a variety of other post-award/subaward actions, such No cost extension requests, PI change requests, Reporting monitoring, etc.
- Undertake data entry tasks related to grants and contracts, as required
- Monitor ORA email account associated with sponsored projects
- Perform other reasonable related duties as assigned
Expected Hours Per Week: 20 hours per week.
This is a half time appointment (i.e 20hrs per week). The work schedule can be flexible and will be based upon class schedule, but will be between 8AM and 4:30PM, Monday – Friday. Additional work hours may be available during scheduled school breaks, with the total hours per week not to exceed 40hrs, if funding is available and the Graduate Assistant chooses to accept them.
Use of Personal Computer/Laptop Required: No
Required Knowledge, Skills, or Experience:
- Basic understanding of grants and contracts in a university setting preferred but not required
- Outstanding oral and written communications skills
- Strong customer service orientation and demonstrated experience fostering trust and positive relationships
- Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office with emphasis on Access and Excel as well as Google workspace
- Proven ability to function effectively as a team member in a high-stress environment
- Ability to work independently under own initiative with limited direct supervision
- Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail
Compensation and Benefits
Stipend: The total stipend amount for this appointment is $21,000 (9 months), paid bi-weekly.
Percentage of medical insurance premium covered: 65% Health coverage (50% health insurance for one dependent)
Percentage of dental insurance premium covered: 50%
Other benefits, if applicable: 18 credits of tuition per Academic Year, up to 6 credit hours for the
summer
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply: Eligible applicants must be admitted to a UMaine graduate degree program and enrolled for the Fall 2026 session.
Please submit the following information to Leanne Crawley, Asst Director of Post Award Services at the Office of Research Administration. leanne.crawley@maine.edu Tel: 207-581-1499
- Resume
- Cover letter (stating why you are interested in the position – include past experience)
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026 by midnight
Notification Date: Following interviews, to be held week commencing June 29, 2026
Desired Position Start Date: September 1, 2026
Collective Bargaining Agreement Notice: This position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University of Maine System and UMGWU‑UAW. Additional information, contact details, and membership materials for UMGWU‑UAW are available at: https://umaine-gradworkers.org/
