RAISE Overview
RAISE is a training program that provides a full-time, work-based immersion into multiple
units under Stony Brook’s Office for Research and Innovation (OR&I). These units provide
a wide range of research administration services to the Stony Brook University community,
including the University Medical Center and the Health Sciences Center.
Research administrators are highly trained professionals who provide a wide range of administrative services to researchers by assisting with the development, submission and management of external research grants and contracts. Given the broad nature of the role, research administrators may specialize in a variety of different related functions, such as the preparation of the grant proposal itself, the management of the financial aspects of the award, or critical compliance issues related to research on humans or animals - to name a few.
There is limited awareness about research administration as a career, which often makes recruitment challenging. In response, the Office for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University has created an 12-to-18-month traineeship program to proactively recruit, develop, and train a cohort of entry-level research administrators, beginning in Fall 2026. The trainees will be immersed in multiple offices under OR&I, such as the Office of Proposal Development , the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Grants Management, the Office of Research Compliance, and Intellectual Property Partners.
Program Goals
In the inaugural cohort, we expect to recruit 2-4 trainees that will participate in
the program for 12 to 18 months. It is expected that trainees will participate in
a full-time work schedule. After the program, trainees will have the following core
competencies and expected learning outcomes:
Pre-Award Competencies |
Post-Award Competencies |
Additional Competencies |
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Program Steps
| Step 1: Apply to RAISE |
Submit your application online through our job portal by August 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Your submission must include a supplemental statement (maximum 2 pages) detailing your interest in the RAISE Traineeship and directly addressing the three prompts outlined in the job posting. |
| Step 2: Interview |
Selected candidates will be contacted directly by a member of the Office of Proposal Development to schedule an initial interview. |
| Step 3: Receive an Offer to be a Trainee |
Successful candidates will receive an official offer to join the program as a RAISE Trainee. We expect the start date to be in September 2026. |
| Step 4: Complete the RAISE Program |
Gain hands-on experience by rotating through at least 2 of the 6 units within the Office for Research and Innovation. The length of time in each unit may vary. |
| Step 5: Apply for a Research Administration Position |
Upon successful completion of the traineeship, you will be prepared to transition into entry-level research administration roles within OR&I or the broader University. |
ELIGIBILITY
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent).
- An Associate’s degree combined with two (2) additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
- One (1) year of full-time experience in administration, finance, or research (relevant research experience gained during a master’s or doctoral training program will be considered).
- High proficiency and professional experience with computer applications, including
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional years of full-time experience in administration, finance, or research beyond the required minimum.
- One (1) or more years of related professional experience (e.g., grants development/management, research administration, finance/accounting, or advanced administrative support).
- Advanced degree.
- Prior experience in customer service.
- Prior experience working within a higher education environment.
BENEFITS OF RAISE
Supervisor-Trainer-Mentor Model
Experience a supervisor-trainer-mentor model to ensure successful mastery. Your supervisor will help develop your performance plan and evaluations in collaboration with the trainers as well as oversee placement readiness. Your trainer will teach you the ins and outs of research administration at Stony Brook. Your mentor will support your overall experience, provide strategic career-planning guidance, and help navigate key developmental milestones and critical junctures throughout the program. The combination of a supervisor, trainer, and mentor will ensure a well-rounded, high quality training experience.
Individual Development Plan
Follow a self-guided Individual Development Plan (IDP) that keeps you aligned with your goals. IDPs are valuable in helping trainees lead and track their own professional development. You will have access to a valuable resource that will help you visualize a plan to reach your goal of becoming a research administration professional.
Professional Development
Participate in regular professional development and retain the most up-to-date research administration knowledge. For example, RAISE includes the LevelUP Micro-credential Program from the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). Your professional development will give you a deeper understanding of the field of research administration including new resources, necessary skills, and news in the field.
CHOOSE STONY BROOK
Join the Stony Brook University community and work at a nationally and internationally recognized research institution.
- A flagship university of the State University of New York system, reflecting our commitment to research and academic excellence, with $370M+ in R&D expenditures in 2025.
- Stony Brook research propels the region’s economic impact, yielding a 16:1 return on New York State tax dollars, supporting 55,000+ jobs, and generating 3% of all economic activity on Long Island.
- Hub for research commercialization, with multiple New York State-funded Centers of Excellence and Centers for Advanced Technology, and deep partnerships with industry.
- Co-manages Brookhaven National Lab, one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory.
- Home of the Quantum Institute, supported by New York State’s $300M investment.
- Serves as the anchor institution of The New York Climate Exchange.
Research Administration Resources
As a RAISE trainee, you will have access to a diverse array of professional development opportunities that will have the most up-to-date research administration knowledge. Below, you'll find key resources to help you explore the field and expand your professional skill set.
What is Research Administration?
Below are a series of non-proprietary videos providing overviews of careers in research administration.
The Chronicles of Research Administration - Research Administrator Overview
NCURA - The Role of the Research Administrator from a Former Faculty Member, and Current
Research Administrator
NCURA - Career Paths & Career Planning in Research Administration Webinar (Recorded)
Certifications for Research Administrators
Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC)
RACC is a private, independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers a voluntary program for the certification of individuals in the research administration field. RACC offers three certification programs: Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), and Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
LevelUP Micro-credential Program
Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI)
SRAI is an a global research management society hat centers around providing education and professional development to research administration professionals. The goal of SRAI is to develop, define, and promote best practices in research administration while supporting knowledge transfer and growth in the field fo research. The SRAI LevelUP Micro-credential Program offers online courses discussing topics that are most relevant to modern research administration. The curriculum consists of an overview of pre-award administration, post-award finance, and compliance.
Online Learning and Free Resources
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
NCURA is a non-profit professional society focused on providing educational and professional development opportunities to advance the profession of research administration. NCURA shares knowledge among 1,100 research institutions across 40 countries. The online resources from NCURA include webinars, self-paced learning, and other free resources. RAISE trainees will have access to these resources for the duration of the program.
Upcoming Dates
Click on the tabs below to find out more about upcoming RAISE events.
Learn More About The Departments
Click the links below to learn more about the Stony Brook University departments participating in RAISE.
Departments and Offices |
The Office for Research and Innovation (OR&I)OVPR helps strategically position the university to be successful in attracting external support for university research. The office facilitates the process of applying for grants and contracts and we manage awards to assure that the research is carried out successfully. The OVPR also facilitates in the translation of basic research and innovation into economic benefits to society |
The Office of Proposal Development (OPD)OPD promotes the advancement of university initiatives by supporting the development and preparation of highly competitive grant proposals. OPD is committed to providing Stony Brook's research community with a comprehensive suite of services to foster the development and growth of research activities. |
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)OSP is the central point of coordination and administration of research and sponsored programs. Dedicated staff in OSP serve as the University's authorized representatives responsible on behalf of SBU's research community for the review, endorsement and submission of proposals to extramural sponsors that support research, training instructional and other activities. |
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The Office of Grants Management (OGM) OGM provides guidance and oversight with respect to all financial transactions, accounting services, and informational reports including the fiscal requirements set forth by sponsoring agencies in full support of research objectives and expectations while meeting the compliance standard set forth by sponsor agencies. |
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The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) ORC supports and promotes ethical research practices at Stony Brook University. The ORC and the SBU research community partner together to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as University policies. |
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Intellectual Property Partners (IPP) IPP fosters the successful commercialization of cutting-edge discoveries by bridging SBU innovation with public benefit through partnership with SBU inventors and the business community. Our goal is to enhance well-being, return economic benefit to the university, and strengthen the long-term vitality of our innovation ecosystem. |
ContactPlease direct all questions to RAISE@stonybrook.edu. |
Frequently Asked Questions