DESCRIPTION

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 determinessolutions.

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. Department Role (DR): 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 toensure 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.

Complexity is define as follows: Type of Proposals - Highly complex proposals involving one or more of the following: multiple departments; multiple institutions (subawards); significant institutional cost-sharing; institutional commitment proposals; responsive to award agency proposal requirements (RFP, RFA, PA); numerous integrated projects; Program Project or Center applications; Contracts; extensive variety of agencies and extensive number of awarding entities; significant and unique reporting requirements; significant equipment acquisition or fabrication; performance milestones. Total proposals will usually be in excess of $8 million (direct cost) annually. Type of Awards - Funds managed will be for awards received as a result of submission of proposals described above. Type of Self-Supporting Activities - The self-supporting activities and research recharge operations are large and complex in nature (income >$500K). Contributions to Development of Policies and Procedures - Provide team leadership in the development of policies and procedures; approve or recommend for approval changes.

Resources to be managed will be determined by each department reflecting the quantitative measures in the Classification Matrix for Sponsored Research Administrators.

~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 part of the time. The employee shall be available full-time during assigned work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

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

• 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 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.

• 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.

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

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals and groups

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Proficiency working with computer and information management systems.

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

• Proficiency in utilizing online financial reports, queries, and use pivot tables or similar experience using other financial reporting tools.

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

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and experience exercising discretion in sensitive situations

• Experience interpreting and implementing all applicable University and agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Experience working independently and following through on assignments with minimal supervision

• Experience understanding and interpreting complex general policy guidelines making independent decisions and initiating appropriate action.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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

• The Center for Energy Research (CER) at University of California, San Diego, is committed to actively promoting our Principles of Community and continually advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within all levels of our organization. In line with the goals of UC San Diego's Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence supporting a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and fostering a positive and welcome climate where all are valued, we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities, to apply.