UCSD

Fund Manager - Sanford Stem Cell Institute

The University of California, San Diego

Sanford Stem Cell InstitutePosted April 25, 2026Job ID: 138994

About this position

Position Description

In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists. Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning. As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed. The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells — special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases. The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials. Under the general supervision of the Finance Director, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive pre-award grant submission support, post-award financial support for multiple faculty submitting grants through the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, management of Recharge units, and financial analysis in various areas and ad hoc reporting. The financial management involves multiple faculty and funding sources ranging from Federal, State, and private grants, contracts, gifts, investigator-initiated clinical trials, sub-awards, fellowships, service agreements, and UC Foundation transfers. The incumbent will work with multiple international and domestic institutions and multiple sites. This position will directly interface with faculty overseeing the 6 Centers and multiple Programs, within the Institute and Institute Members, to support the research mission of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. The incumbent will use skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and/or oversee research proposals, awards, and/or transactions related to contract/grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. This position will work on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires a thorough understanding of complex regulations.

Qualifications

Seven years of related experience, education/training, OR an Bachelor’s degree in related area plus three years of related experience/training. Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. Ability to manage significant volume of transactions. Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Demonstrated experience with the applications of principles and practices of financial managerment, fiscal planning and analysis. Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Demonstrated experience designing financial management tools to administer complex awards. Demonstrated experience in budget preparation using automated spreadsheet systems. Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas. Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration. Demonstrated knowledge of University policies and procedures relating to contract and grants; and accounting. Ability to independently interpret, analyze, and implement appropriate policies in a given situation. Proven ability to analyze complex financial issues, recognize potential impact, identify creative and alternative solutions; make and implement recommendations. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and with ability to exercise discretion. Demonstrated experience analyzing expenditures, recognizing trends in order to support budget adjustments. In depth knowledge of federal, state, and private agency contract and grant regulations and requirements from proposal preparation through close out; including but not limited to cost accounting standards. Knowledge of University policies and procedures regarding purchasing, returned goods, travel, disbursement, inventory, and ability to work collaboratively with contacts involved in these processes.

Job Location

La Jolla