Senior Research Grants & Administration Specialist

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Department of Medicine seeks an experienced financial administrator to oversee post-award and pre-award activities for complex portfolios. This role acts as a SME, guides staff, and ensures compliance with sponsor policies across federal and non-federal awards.

Incumbent will mentor staff, participate in central committees, and manage high-volume transactions while applying advanced accounting and reporting principles. Strong communication and independent judgment are essential.

Qualifications

• Nine years of related experience or a Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.
• Advanced financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in 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.
• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Knowledge of policies regarding allowable and unallowable expenses on federal awards, and ability to communicate this information effectively to staff and faculty.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee post-award and/or pre-award activities and cleanup efforts for one or more complex, high volume portfolios.
• Mentor new staff and participate in central committees.
• Review and guide others in the review of financial and administrative management requirements of research contract and grant proposals, awards and transactions to ensure compliance.
• May review and sign transactions for less experienced staff and potentially hold delegated signature authority.
• Provide subject matter expertise in areas such as federal contracts, state contracts, subcontracts or information systems.

Skills

Financial analysis

Reporting

Spreadsheet skills

Policy interpretation

Communication

Time management

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

UC San Diego's Department of Medicine seeks an experienced financial administrator to oversee post-award and pre-award activities for complex portfolios. This role acts as a SME, guides staff, and ensures compliance with sponsor policies across federal and non-federal awards.

Incumbent will mentor staff, participate in central committees, and manage high-volume transactions while applying advanced accounting and reporting principles. Strong communication and independent judgment are essential.