• This position is open until filled. First Review Date 8/16/24.

DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1965, the Department of Psychology at UCSD is one of the premier experimental psychology departments in the country. Currently, there are 31 faculty, 20 researchers and postdocs, 30 staff members, 1700 undergraduate students, and 73 graduate students. The department has over 35 active federal contracts/grants and annual expenditures total over $10 million across federal, state, and gift funds.

This is a professional position at the intermediate level, fully operational level of the Research Administrator series. The incumbent applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments / projects / tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.

Under general supervision, develops and / or oversees research proposals, awards and / or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional and research sponsor policies. Works on proposals of moderate scope such as single investigator NSF proposals where analysis of financial information or reports requires review of a variety of factors (e.g. budgets, salaries, expenses, etc). Receives assignments on project basis and fully analyzes problems, gathers data and information, and recommends solutions. May be eligible for delegated signature authority. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official.

The incumbent will be providing moderate 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, includingcompliance with regulations, terms and conditions; financial management and reporting; and sub award/subcontract issuance and administration.

The Department of Psychology is willing to train candidates with fiscal or research backgrounds who are new to research administration. We offer flexible work schedules (as allowed), and our administrative staff currently works a hybrid schedule of two days onsite and three days remote each week (subject to change based on campus rules/conditions). If you enjoy learning new skills and are interested in cross-training or optimizing administrative functions, consider joining our team.

• Overtime and weekends may be required.

• Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Demonstrated experience with Google Suites.

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. Familiarity with OMB circulars such as Uniform Guidance, A-21, A110 and principles of cost accounting standards, including allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. Familiarity with common sponsored award mechanisms.

• Knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.

• Ability to manage a high volume of transactions. Working knowledge of finance policies, practices and systems.

• Ability to perform moderately complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Ability to work in a fast paced environment with overlapping deadlines and short lead times, maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Ability to prioritize job functions to meet deadlines and ensure smooth work flow.

• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization; communication skills; and a customer service focus. Demonstrated ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing clearly and concisely. Ability to write accurate and detailed correspondence, reports, and documentation of department procedures.

• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration. Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources. Ability to develop and maintain filing systems.

• Skill to anticipate and/or solve problems using innovative approaches, techniques, and procedures. Provide efficient and responsive services.

• Interpret policies and procedures and apply them to routine as well as unique and complex situations. Analyze and interpret changes on University policy to determine effect on processes and make recommendations on implementation of changes to management.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills at all levels within the unit; excellent service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability using organizational skills to multi-task in a high volume environment. Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Ability to manage (tracking, disbursing, reconciling) cash funds.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.

• This position falls under CANRA requirements: duties require direct contact with individuals under the age of 18.