Job Description

Payroll Title:
RSCH ADM 4
Department:
OFC OF CONTR&GRANTS
Hiring Pay Scale
$95,000 - $120,000 / Annually
Worksite:
Hybrid
Appointment Type:
Career
Appointment Percent:
100%
Union:
Uncovered
Total Openings:
1
Work Schedule:
8 hrs/day, Mon - Fri

#134250 Prin C&G Officer, Govt Contract/Service Agreements

Filing Deadline: Tue 2/18/2025

UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 02/07/2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 02/18/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION WITH A COMBINATION OF ONSITE AND REMOTE WORK.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

In support of UC San Diego’s mission and vision, the Office of Contracts and Grants/ Administration (OCGA) provides customer-focused expertise and professional services, contributing to the advancement of research and other extramurally sponsored activities within the UC San Diego research community. OCGA is comprised of three sub-units: Office of Contract & Grant Administration (includes multiple specialties agreement types for sponsored research), Research Administration Operations and Business Intelligence, and Research Administration Training and Communications. OCGA is the campus office supporting Business Intelligence and Reporting (analytics, technology, and process support) and Research Administration Client Support (Client Experience) to the entire UC San Diego research community.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Principal Contract and Grant Officer, operating under a formal delegation of authority to execute extramurally funded grants and contracts, provides professional expertise for Principal Investigators and research teams from VC Research and Innovation, VC Academic Affairs, and Health Sciences. Responsibilities include managing, negotiating, and executing sponsored research agreements (U.S. federal contracts and other transactions as well as agreements for research programs funded by other government sponsors) as well as general campus fee-for-service agreements and industry center membership agreements. The Officer oversees non-financial administrative management and problem resolution during the term of the agreement, and assists in award close-out.

In maintaining a portfolio of the highest profile and complex award actions, the Principal Contract and Grant Officer requires expert analytical skills, comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations, and familiarity with UC policy. Response time for transactions is often critical and requires expert negotiation and facilitation skills. The ability to be rapidly responsive to emerging issues and possessing skill in independently handling non-standard/novel issues are key to the success of the incumbent for this position. This portfolio involves interactions and negotiations at the most senior levels: internal and external legal counsel, government program officers and contracting officers, industry executives, etc.

Responsibilities at this level also include one-on-one high-level guidance to Principal Investigators and Department/Organized Research Unit business administrators, mentoring of OCGA Senior Analysts when non-standard issues arise, and collaborating with central office partners on matters pertaining to UC research policy in the areas relevant to the team’s portfolio (eg, export control, information security, innovation and commercialization). This can include consultation to faculty, campus administrators, and government sponsor representatives in such areas as UC clinical research procedures, policies, and contract language; training and educating campus about government contracts, as well as policies, practices, and guidance related to such agreements; and participating with OCGA Leadership in strategy planning and implementation to increase, broaden, develop and maintain UC San Diego relations with sponsors.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Seven (7) years of experience in sponsored research administration, preferably at a higher education or research institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

  • Experience in a research environment, preferably a university, and general knowledge of university policies relating to research (academic personnel, use of University facilities, research regulatory compliance requirements, IP, publications rights).

  • Demonstrated experience and superior skill in analytical and legal/contractual writing. Demonstrated ability to diplomatically, clearly, and accurately express substance and nuance in both oral and written communication. Demonstrated familiarity with scientific fields and ability to understand and use legal, scientific, and medical terminology and concepts. Ability to analyze complex technical data.

  • Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully represent the University’s position and protect University’s interests. Ability to assess academic, legal, and financial risk for key research-related areas (IP, publication and data rights, risk and liability, confidentiality, research compliance).

  • Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements. Demonstrated in-depth familiarity and experience with various funding mechanisms for University research.

  • Experience in independently identifying, and then developing and implementing appropriate solutions to, novel, highly complex, and sensitive problems.

  • Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in determining when issues require additional action and/or input.

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain an awareness of relevant external regulations, laws, and sponsor policies.

  • Strong conflict-resolution skills to disarm anger and constructively handle complaints. Ability to mediate differences among large numbers of organizational groups with differing, and often conflicting, goals and motives. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships with challenging customers to facilitate and promote the administration of University research while maintaining appropriate boundaries to enforce policy and procedure.

  • Willingness and ability to be resourceful in finding answers by soliciting and coordinating the assistance of appropriate sources and by conducting independent research to inform work. Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with varied stakeholders (academic researchers, students, business office staff, contracting counterparts, compliance partners) to support the negotiation, execution, and administration of sponsored research agreements.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

  • Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on a background check.

  • This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $85,400 - $156,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $40.90 - $75.10

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).


If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

Application Instructions

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