Research Administrator 3
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: The VCRI Core Services department supports administrative needs of the VC Research and Innovation’s general campus Organizational Research Units (ORUs) in the areas of strategic management and planning, fiscal and fund management, Human Resources and Academic Personnel. POSITION OVERVIEW: Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and / or oversee research proposals, awards and / or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. Works on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires thorough understanding of complex regulations. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and / or multiple sub awards. Guides less experienced staff. Typically works on complex proposals such as grants / contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards. Incumbent provides analytical and financial support in proposal processing, contract and grant administration, and budget development, including pre-award proposal initiatives, management of funds post-award, and closeout activities for federal, state, local and private sponsors. Involves activities associated with forecasting, planning, and managing of research portfolios by performing some or all of the following: coordinating and identifying and developing and/or presenting proposals, contracts and other agreements; reviewing proposals to ensure institutional compliance; negotiating, administering and monitoring contract and grant awards, including compliance with regulations, terms and conditions; financial management and reporting; and sub award/subcontract issuance and administration. Makes recommendations based on the proposed personnel budget and availability of funds. Submits UCPath funding entry actions for personnel and follows through as necessary to ensure accuracy. Prepares and processes direct retros as required. This is a professional position at the experienced level of the Research Administrator Series. The incumbent is an experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. Incumbent will perform Fund Management duties as outlined below: 1) Number of Proposals Submitted: 51 2) Dollar Amount of Proposals Submitted: $57.48M 3) Percentage of Proposal Types: 74% Federal, 14% Private, 12% Industry 1) Number of Awards Managed: 38 2) Dollar amount of Awards Managed (separate direct and indirect costs): $10M direct, $4M indirect. 3) Percentage of Award Types: 70% grant, 12% contract, 18% other (co-op and personal agreements) 4) Number of PI’s supported: 23 ~Submission of a cover letter is encouraged for a complete application. ~This position may be eligible for a Hybrid flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site part of the time.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area and 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Experienced with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, cooperative agreements. 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. Proven ability to work in a fast paced environment with overlapping deadlines and short lead times and maintain a high level of attention to detail, and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Ability to recognize potential impact, identify creative and alternate solutions, make recommendations and incorporate information into budget formats for official presentation. Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Proficiency in utilizing Financial link reports, queries, and use pivot tables or similar experience using other financial reporting tools. 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. Knowledgeable about Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration. Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles. Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with Principles of Community with staff, faculty and students. Ability to maintain confidentiality as appropriate. Requires thorough knowledge in OMB circulars such as Uniform Guidance, and principles of cost accounting standards, including allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. Proficiency working with computer and information management systems. Proven ability to make recommendations and participate in decision making regarding administrative and budget matters. Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of work performance, follow through on assignments, and anticipate, identify, and analyze problems and resolve or recommend course of action for resolution as appropriate Knowledge of payroll and personnel regulations including impact of salary scales, merits, and range adjustments. Knowledge of employee benefit regulations and rates. Knowledge of leave accruals, summer salary policies, and a range of flexible salary options to meet appropriate fund source uses. Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively compose, edit and proofread letters, memoranda, minutes of meetings, and summary reports with clear and concise expression, proper grammar, style, and punctuation.