Research Administrator 3 - 141658

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department seeks a professional Research Administrator to oversee complex pre- and post-award activities, including proposals, awards, and budgets, ensuring compliance with sponsor policies and institutional guidelines.

The role requires experience in contract and grant administration, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multi-investigator awards, with a hybrid on-campus/remote schedule in La Jolla.

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/6/26 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.

DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department embodies the university's tradition of excellence as a world-class leader in computer science and engineering education and research. Ranked in the top 20 nationwide, the department is dedicated to research, education and overall excellence.

CSE has approximately 80+ faculty FTE, 20+ professional researchers, 50+ staff in career/casual titles, 150+ tutors, and 175+ TAs. There are over 1,700 undergraduate students enrolled in 4 majors, with annual enrollments of 25,000+. The department has a graduate education program with over 1,000 students (~350 PhD students and over 900 Master's students).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

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.

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.

A cover letter is required for a complete application.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a combination of working both on campus in La Jolla and remote.

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.
• 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.
• Excellent written communication skills to correspond with all levels of administration using correct rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and interact effectively with faculty, staff, graduate students, visitors and the general public using diplomacy, tact and flexibility in a variety of circumstances.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Proficiency in utilizing campus financial system reports, queries, and using pivot tables or similar experience using other financial reporting tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Stays current on compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to work effectively and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, faculty and students, and to work effectively as part of a team.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• A cover letter is required for a complete application.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a combination of working both on campus in La Jolla and remote.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

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).