DESCRIPTION

The Senior Contract and Grant Officer on the Federal Grant & Kuali Award Team uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently manage the analysis of terms of research proposals, sponsor policies, and UC San Diego requirements for compliance review and approval, to set up award records as the official record of the contract/grant agreements between UC San Diego and various federal and non-federal sponsors.

Responsible for independently reviewing approved awards from NIH and NSF, and for awards reviewed and confirmed by other contract and grant officers for all other sponsor categories. Responsible for managing post-award, non-financial award actions for a wide array of grant projects. Holds appropriate delegation of authority as the authorized institutional official to accept and execute awards. Is responsible for the accurate set up of award records for complex research projects that may involve multiple investigators and/or multiple sub-recipients.

Incumbent reviews direct federal grant and UC program awards, confirming compliance with the proposal and negotiated budgetary settlement. Coordinates acceptable changes with faculty, sponsoring agency representatives, and campus and Office of the President, if necessary. Processes NOAs from contract and grant offers, including award amendments (e.g. NCE, Administrative Amendments, Continuations, etc..) into the enterprise Research Administration System (Kuali).

The incumbent is the functional expert for the enterprise Research Administration System (Kuali) for Contracts & Grants. Perform duties pertinent to the in-depth analysis and evaluation of grants, cooperative agreement, and inter-personnel/joint personnel agreements for determination of the appropriate funding model use, completion of all key data elements, monitoring of compliance approvals prior to award acceptance, and coordination/refinement for ensuring the award entry is an accurate reflection of the official award that has been assigned to UC San Diego.
Responsible for post-award non-financial duties including award audit, data integrity, and the efficient and effective processing of all administrative functions supporting OCGA.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with focus in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, technology, engineering, contract law, intellectual property law, public administration, or political science and four (4) years related research administration experience or combined equivalent.

• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities. Knowledge of university research policies, procedures, organization, and structure.

• Knowledge and experience in drafting correspondence, moderately complex award language, and agreement modifications. Comprehension skills consistent with the ability to understand information contained in complex requisitions, technical specifications, purchase contracts, business reports, etc and be able to relate it to applicable policies and procedures.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite of productivity applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Visio. Ability to compile, review, and analyze information/data, and recommend alternatives, when performing moderately complex problem resolution.

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

• Demonstrated knowledge and proven ability to perform review of complex funding/grant/contract solicitations including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and to analyze and negotiate complex, moderate-risk terms and conditions of resulting awards/contracts in relation to receipt of University funding from extramural sponsors.

• Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and comprehend conditions of award/legal agreements of moderate complexity and risk and recognize impact of potential problems and formulate subsequent resolutions. In-depth knowledge of terms and conditions of a variety of moderately complex award instruments (e.g., contracts, collaborations/consortia, non-disclosure/proprietary information agreements) with an emphasis on publication restrictions, patents, copyrights, rights in data, indemnification, conflict of interest, etc.

• Excellent/effective oral and written communication skills, including ability to construct complex legal language as well as persuasive correspondence to convey information in a clear, organized, and concise manner. Ability to diplomatically, clearly, and accurately express substance and nuance in both oral and written communication. Excellent customer service/interpersonal skills including diplomacy, tact, and patience when interacting with all individuals both internal and external to the University.

• Strong skill in organizing and setting priorities and accomplishing tasks in an environment with ever-changing priorities and frequent interruptions. Proven ability to perform independently with minimal direction. Ability to adapt, implement, and evaluate new procedures, systems, and processes. Effective organizational systems and priority-setting skills. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to effectively work in and facilitate a team environment.

• Willingness and ability to abide by the UC San Diego Principles of Community to foster the best possible working and learning environment, strive to maintain a climate of fairness, cooperation, and professionalism.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• U.S. person status is required for this position in order to comply with the Arms Export Control and Export Administration Act. U.S. persons are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a) (3).