Employment Opportunities: Your Career Starts Here!
Current Openings: We're not hiring right now. Stay tuned for future opportunities!
Curious whether a career in Research Administration is right for you? You already have what it takes to succeed in this role!
- Do you have experience in one or more of these areas?
- Finance/Accounting: Managing budgets, financial reporting, or expense tracking.
- Legal/Contracting/Compliance: Navigating contracts, compliance regulations, or legal processes.
- Project Management: Juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects at once.
- Customer Service: Communicating effectively and solving problems with a customer-first approach.
- Administrative Roles: Organizing office operations, providing support, and coordinating tasks.
- Finance/Accounting: Managing budgets, financial reporting, or expense tracking.
- Do you possess these key soft skills?
- Verbal and Written Communication: Excel in both verbal and written communication, building strong relationships across diverse teams and effectively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: This skill is vital for identifying issues, organizing data, and ensuring accuracy in every task.
- Time Management: Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with exceptional time management skills.
- Think Critically: Solve problems and make informed decisions with sharp critical thinking abilities.
- Adaptability: Stay flexible, embrace new challenges, and succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Verbal and Written Communication: Excel in both verbal and written communication, building strong relationships across diverse teams and effectively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
Prior experience in research administration is always welcomed but not required. Your skills and experiences are valuable. Don’t hold back—start your journey as a Research Administrator today!
By joining our office, you will be part of a vibrant, collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the success of cutting-edge projects.
- You will work alongside passionate professionals.
- You will engage with leading researchers.
- You will help secure the resources necessary to drive scientific and technological advancements.
- Together, we empower researchers to transform ideas into reality, making a tangible difference in the world.
The University of Illinois System is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and emphasizes the importance of providing access and opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, language, culture, national origin, religious or spiritual commitments, age, and (dis) ability status.

Culture & Teams:
Work Hard, Play Hard!
We take pride in our strong work ethic and extensive knowledge.
Our culture blends unique talents, shares laughs, and creates a vibrant team spirit by spotlighting our team members and recognizing their service.
We make time to engage in team building activities.

Career Development:
Your Growth, Our Commitment!
We offer extensive training programs, both virtual and in person, with tailored learning paths to suit individual needs.
Supervisory and leadership development programs.
Attend regional and national conferences.

Workplace Flexibility:
Your Work, Your Way!
We get that life is dynamic, and so is work!
We offer a range of flexible options to help you balance your professional and personal life with ease.
- Remote work options
- Flexible hours
- Hybrid work models
We offer paid time off—so much so that our benefits have their own webpage!
Great benefits are a key part of a great job. That’s why our comprehensive benefit plans are designed to support your well-being, happiness, and future. We’ve got everything you need to thrive both at work and in life, including health and wellness programs, paid time off, retirement plans, education assistance, and discounts. For more information, please visit our benefits webpage.
Voices of SPA: Our Journey and Skills
Discover the stories of our dedicated team members at SPA. Learn about their diverse backgrounds, previous job experiences, and the valuable skills they’ve brought with them. These testimonials highlight the unique paths that led them to SPA and how their past experiences contribute to our dynamic and innovative workplace.
To read testimonials from our staff, click here or any of the underlined headings below.
Put your prior work experience to use at SPA
"If you're considering a job at SPA, go for it. The collaborative culture, growth opportunities, strong employee support, and the flexibility to work from home make it an exceptional place to grow and succeed."
-Nam Carreon, Senior Award Management Coordinator
Explore the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that define our workplace
"At SPA, collaboration and camaraderie are at the heart of everything we do. Our team is made up of hardworking, supportive individuals who truly care about one another's success and well-being. Whether it's navigating challenging projects or celebrating shared successes, the sense of teamwork is unparalleled. From leadership to colleagues, everyone at SPA is committed to pulling together toward common goals, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is valued. This collaborative spirit not only enhances our professional achievements but also creates a genuinely enjoyable and rewarding workplace experience."
-Amy Hubbard, Assistant Director for Administrative Operations
Learn about our commitment to maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life
"SPA truly values the importance of balance. Remote work options make it easier to manage responsibilities both at work and at home. Social events, whether team-based or organization-wide, create opportunities to connect and have some fun. Leadership has also been very understanding and flexible when it comes to taking time off. It's a supportive environment that recognizes the need for balance in all aspects of life."
-Kyle Sturm, Advanced Senior Award Management Coordinator