Administrative Assistant - Research (Faculty & Operations)

About the role

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! Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is seeking a highly experienced Administrative Assistant to support faculty, laboratories, and research operations across the enterprise. In this role, you will serve as a trusted partner to senior research leaders and their teams, ensuring seamless operations in a complex, fast‑paced environment. You'll work across multiple stakeholders, balancing competing priorities while supporting critical research activities that advance MSK's mission. This opportunity is ideal for a proactive, highly organized professional who excels in supporting senior leaders and navigating sophisticated administrative and operational workflows. Role Overview: Serve as a strategic administrative partner to faculty, principal investigators, and/or research operations leadership Manage highly complex, fast‑changing calendars across multiple stakeholders Coordinate high‑volume meetings with internal and external partners Plan and execute domestic and international travel, including detailed itineraries and expense reconciliation Support laboratory and research operations, including onboarding, purchasing, and coordination of activities Manage administrative documentation (CVs, biosketches, letters of recommendation, academic materials) Support payroll, timekeeping, and workforce processes (e.g., Workday or similar systems) Coordinate procurement and financial workflows for research activities (e.g., Coupa or similar tools) Serve as a key point of coordination across faculty, lab teams, research cores, and institutional stakeholders Proactively identify and resolve complex administrative challenges with minimal oversight Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment and discretion Key Qualifications: Significant administrative experience supporting senior leaders in a complex organization (research, academic, healthcare, or similar environment strongly preferred) Demonstrated success managing competing priorities and multiple stakeholders simultaneously Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) Experience working with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, Coupa, BioMED, or similar platforms) Proven ability to operate independently, anticipate needs, and problem‑solve proactively Core Skills: Executive-level communication and professionalism Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Strong stakeholder management and partnership mindset Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑accountability environment Sound judgment and discretion with sensitive information Proactive, solutions‑oriented approach with strong follow‑through Additional Information: Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work Arrangement: On-site 5 days per week during the initial 6-month probationary period, transitioning to a hybrid schedule (3 days onsite) thereafter. Location: 417 East 68th Street, New York, NY Reporting to : Associate Director, Research Operations Helpful Links: Compensation Philosophy