Research Administrator 3 - 129818

University of California, San Diego, United States

Updated: 9 days ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. Our Department combines research on the most consequential and revelatory scientific areas with education aimed at building our future leaders and scientists. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures. The department also manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off campus research organizations.

The Research Administrator 3 (RA3) uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and oversee research proposals, awards and 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 and works closely with OCGA, OPAFS, Disbursements, Payroll, General Accounting, EVCAA/Dean's offices, Technology Transfer and Research Affairs in administering various faculty programs and fund sources.


  • Requires thorough knowledge in OMB circulars such as Universal Guidance, A-21, A110 and principles of cost accounting standards, including allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.

  • Experienced with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, cooperative agreements.

  • Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. 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.

  • 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 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.

  • Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Proficiency in utilizing reports and queries through Financiallink, Cognos, and Tableau, 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. Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds.

  • Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.

  • Skill to operate a personal computer and demonstrated knowledge of databases, general computer applications, and programs including word processing and spreadsheets. Willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.

  • Stays current on compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.

  • Skill and ability to formulate plans and procedures to accomplish organizational goals, using available resources.

  • Ability to analyze PI spending patterns and incorporate that information in proposal budget requests.

  • Skill in following oral and written instructions.

  • Knowledge of all funding sources that flow through the department.


    • Pay Transparency Act

    Annual Full Pay Range: $67,200 - $119,600 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

    Hourly Equivalent: $32.18 - $57.28

    Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


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