Research Administrator 3

Payroll Title:
RSCH ADM 3 Department:
ORU CORE SERVICES UNIT Hiring Pay Scale
$75,000 - $93,400 / Year Worksite:
Torrey Pines Center North Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
Uncovered Total Openings:
2 Work Schedule:
8 hrs/day, Mon. - Fri.


#139876 Research Administrator 3

Extended Deadline: Thu 7/9/2026
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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. 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.


This position will be a part of the UAW union moving forward.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 6/1/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.


Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Position will remain posted until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by 6/12/2026.


DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The VCRI Core Services department supports administrative needs of the VC Research and Innovation's general campus Organizational Research Units (ORUs) in the areas of strategic management and planning, fiscal and fund management, Human Resources and Academic Personnel.


POSITION OVERVIEW:

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. Guides less experienced staff. 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 to ensure 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.

Makes recommendations based on the proposed personnel budget and availability of funds. Submits UCPath funding entry actions for personnel and follows through as necessary to ensure accuracy. Prepares and processes direct retros as required.

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 determines solutions.

Incumbent will perform Fund Management duties as outlined below:

1) Number of Proposals Submitted: 51

2) Dollar Amount of Proposals Submitted: $57.48M

3) Percentage of Proposal Types: 74% Federal, 14% Private, 12% Industry

1) Number of Awards Managed: 38

2) Dollar amount of Awards Managed (separate direct and indirect costs): $10M direct, $4M indirect.

3) Percentage of Award Types: 70% grant, 12% contract, 18% other (co-op and personal agreements)

4) Number of PI's supported: 23

~Submission of a cover letter is encouraged for a complete application.

~This position may be eligible for a Hybrid flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site part of the time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Experienced with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, cooperative agreements.
• 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. Proven 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.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Ability to recognize potential impact, identify creative and alternate solutions, make recommendations and incorporate information into budget formats for official presentation.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Proficiency in utilizing Financial link reports, queries, and use pivot tables or similar experience using other financial reporting tools.
• 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. 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with Principles of Community with staff, faculty and students. Ability to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
• Requires thorough knowledge in OMB circulars such as Uniform Guidance, and principles of cost accounting standards, including allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Proficiency working with computer and information management systems.
• Proven ability to make recommendations and participate in decision making regarding administrative and budget matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of work performance, follow through on assignments, and anticipate, identify, and analyze problems and resolve or recommend course of action for resolution as appropriate
• Knowledge of payroll and personnel regulations including impact of salary scales, merits, and range adjustments. Knowledge of employee benefit regulations and rates. Knowledge of leave accruals, summer salary policies, and a range of flexible salary options to meet appropriate fund source uses.
• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively compose, edit and proofread letters, memoranda, minutes of meetings, and summary reports with clear and concise expression, proper grammar, style, and punctuation.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results
• Overtime and weekend work may be required.
• Submission of a cover letter is encouraged for a complete application.
• This position will be a part of the UAW union moving forward.

Pay Transparency Act


Annual Full Pay Range: $71,600 - $127,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)


Hourly Equivalent: $34.29 - $61.02


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).

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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 .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:


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 an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.


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

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace