Job Description
Req Id:  44417
Job Title:  Research Lab Administrator
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

Job Summary

Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts is seeking a Research Lab Administrator to provide operational, administrative, and logistical support for the Governance and Responsible AI Lab (GRAIL). Working under limited supervision, this professional level role supports daily center operations; coordinates onboarding for undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdocs; assists with partnership-building, fundraising initiatives, grant preparation, and post‑award administration; manages events, visitor logistics; and maintains center communications, website, and social media presence.

 

This is a limited-term duration of 3-years. Continuation will be dependent upon funding.

This position is on-site, working on Purdue’s West Lafayette, IN campus.

 

Responsibilities Include:

  • Coordinate daily center operations, including scheduling, purchasing, reimbursements, and communication through platforms such as Slack, Outlook, and Google Drive.
  • Manage onboarding and offboarding processes and maintain timely personnel records for students, postdocs, and center affiliates.
  • Assist with building relationships with partners and potential funders, supports donor engagement and grant opportunity identification, and support grant proposal preparation, compliance tracking, and budget monitoring.
  • Plan and execute events including workshops, seminars, and guest visits (travel, lodging, itineraries, venues, catering).
  • Support engagement activities on Purdue campus and recruitment activities for student research assistants.
  • Manage center social media accounts (e.g., on Twitter/X and LinkedIn) and internal/external communication needs and materials.
  • Oversee administration for the center’s datasets, including subscriptions, access logistics, and coordination with technical partners.
  • Perform website updates and maintenance.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Communications, Business Administration, or another field related to the center’s work.
  • Two years of experience in administrative coordination, research support, or academic operations.
  • In lieu of degree, a combination of experience and education will be considered (IE: Associate’s Degree + 4 years of experience, or High School Diploma + 6 years of experience).

 

 

Skills Needed:

  • Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and strategically with a wide variety stakeholders
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-centered environment.
  • Experience with event logistics and digital communication tools.

 

What is Helpful:

  • Master’s Degree.
  • Experience with grants or fundraising efforts.
  • Experience planning and managing events and communications.
  • Experience with graphic design, website design, and/or maintenance.
  • Experience in a university research lab or center environment.
  • Experience with software or web development or data science are welcome.

 

Additional Information:

  • For full consideration, candidates should submit a cover letter as well as a resume or CV.
  • To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary CLICK HERE
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position 
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime) 
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan 

Career Stream

Professional 2

Pay Band S065
Job Code #20003177

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university. 

Posting Start Date:  10/6/26