DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI) organization supports, facilitates and promotes the world-class research enterprise at UC San Diego by: a) providing essential services and resources that enhance research and other creative endeavors; b) enabling partnerships and collaborations among researchers at UC San Diego and between UC San Diego and government, industry, and other research enterprises; c) developing infrastructure and policy that promote innovation, an entrepreneurial culture, communication, and compliance for the UC San Diego research enterprise; and d) promoting research excellence by embedding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core of everything we do.

The organization fosters research across disciplines by enhancing the research experience through effective stewardship of resources, policies, compliance and expertise, and by developing tools and educational programs as the responsible steward of the campus research enterprise. The Office of Research Affairs (ORA) is the central VCRI office with direct oversight for all VCRI operational, administrative and public relations/communication functions and for core units including Research Scholars, Research Ethics, Government Research Relations, Research Initiatives, Research Development, International Outreach, and multi-disciplinary campus research (Organized Research Units). Other enterprise-wide research support departments under the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation include Contract and Grant Administration, Innovation and Commercialization, Research Compliance and Integrity (including IACUC, Export Control, Conflict of Interest), the Animal Care Program, and the VCRI Service Core.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Fulfills primary responsibility for a specific area of research within a broader research grant program initiative.

The incumbent is a member of the Research Development (RD) team, an integrated, collaborative team that helps researchers find and pursue funding opportunities, collaborate effectively, produce compelling proposals, and compete more successfully for research funding. The RD team prioritizes support for the development of large, complex, interdisciplinary research proposals, but also supports the professional development of early-career investigators in areas related to the pursuit of research funding.

Leads the effort to identify, manage and communicate Limited Submission (LS) and other strategic opportunities important to the UC San Diego research community. Manage the internal selection process for campus responses to calls for proposals in which the sponsor limits the number of applications that UC San Diego is eligible to submit.

Advises leadership and partner offices in decision-making and strategic planning on a diversity of funding opportunities and strategies for successfully obtaining the funding and raising the profile of UC San Diego researchers.

Holds responsibility for implementing Chancellor- and VC-led intramural research funding programs, including managing application and review processes and collecting and reporting on outcomes. In conjunction with RD and Research Affairs team members, serves as primary liaison for teams funded through internal programs, consulting on progress toward milestones and providing guidance and connections with campus resources.

Oversees strategic distribution of funding opportunities and collaborates with individuals and faculty teams to develop funding searches relevant to particular research areas.

The RD team’s work is aligned with the Research and Innovation Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee’s goal to advance the UC San Diego research enterprise by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and values in everything we do. We aspire to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all are welcome and valued; are comfortable bringing their authentic selves; and have the opportunity, resources, and support to thrive.

~This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site most of the time. The employee shall be available full-time during assigned work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor)

~ Cover letter required for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and 3-5 years of project management experience in an academic research-related field, or equivalent experience / training.

• Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills. Effective oral and written communication skills to work with complex concepts from multi-disciplinary proposals. Effective customer service skills.

• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills. Demonstrated experience with content and structure of standard calls for proposals; interpretation of complex sponsor requirements; interpretation of sponsor merit review criteria for public and private funding agencies.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

• Proven program planning and management of projects. Proven ability to develop goals, set priorities, and assess progress to meet organizational goals. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Effective organizational skills to work with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous deadline-driven projects under limited supervision.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers, managers and teams. Ability to cultivate sustained partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders.

• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, campus research portfolio.

• Experience using systems and tools for identification of funding opportunities and discovery of award information (e.g., NIH RePORTER, NSF Awards Database).

• Commitment to advancing institutional strategies for equity, diversity, and inclusion through implementation of effective practices in area of responsibility.

• Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs. Willingness and ability to learn new systems and software as needed.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with InfoReady and/or other information systems for data management and reporting

• Experience managing research funding programs

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Ability to work flexible schedule, occasional evenings/nights, weekends and holidays, often on short notice to meet operational needs.

• This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site most of the time. The employee shall be available full-time during assigned work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor)

• Cover letter required for a complete application.