Research Administrative Assistant, Sloan Kettering Institute

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: In more than 100 laboratories, our scientists are conducting innovative research to advance our understanding of the biological sciences and improve human health. The SKI Staff includes 400 research fellows, and 200 graduate students (both PhDs and MD/PhDs). SKI highlights many National Academy of Sciences members and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators.  

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join the Sloan Kettering Institute. This role is best suited for professionals who have previously supported Principal Investigators (PIs), scientific leadership, research faculty, or laboratory operations in an academic, biomedical, healthcare, or research-focused setting. The successful candidate will serve as a key partner to lab leadership, helping manage complex administrative activities, grant-related processes, investigator communications, and day-to-day laboratory operations.

Role Overview:  

• Perform general administrative work in support of SKI program activities as directed including ensuring the smooth flow of communication between investigators, members of the lab, institutional contacts, and external contacts 

• Exhibit a sound understanding of lab operations and manage day-to-day administrative operations for the manager and Principal Investigator (PI) 

• Assist in the accurate preparation of complex documents and supervise the coordination and organization of timely grant submissions and similar projects 

• Troubleshoot process/paperwork problems and proactively follow up on problem resolution 

• Purchase capital equipment including laboratory and computer equipment, and maintain inventory and maintenance records 

• Manage complex calendars and scheduling of meetings on the manager’s behalf 

• Assist with clerical duties such as scheduling, attendance, payroll, and related records for lab members 

• Develop agendas for visiting faculty, establish a detailed course of action for duties, demonstrate thoroughness and accuracy, and use written and verbal communication skills while using extensive discretion and judgment 

Key Qualifications:  

• Experience supporting Principal Investigators (PIs), research faculty, laboratory leadership, or scientific teams within an academic, healthcare, nonprofit research, or biomedical research environment strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating activities related to research administration, grants, scientific meetings, publications, or laboratory operations preferred.
• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Experience with both PC and Mac software strong preferred & familiarity with FileMaker database is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced research environment while supporting multiple stakeholders, including investigators, trainees, and external collaborators.

Core Skills:  

• Adept at developing constructive working relationships with colleagues throughout the institution and will always present a professional demeanor 

• Flexible to adapt to new projects as required for the support of the group and capable of successfully prioritizing tasks 

• An effective communicator, with good organizational skills, and digital literacy 

• A good decision-maker, with shown success at taking initiative and making timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward 

Additional Information:  

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, onsite presence is required 
• Location: 417 E. 68th Street 
• Reporting to: Program Administrator

Helpful Links:  

• Compensation Philosophy
• Benefits

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.