Senior Research Grants & Financial Analyst

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s Pathology Department seeks a seasoned research administrator to manage pre/post‑award finance, grant administration, and salary analysis, ensuring compliance with federal and non‑federal sponsors. You will train staff and serve as the lead fund manager for complex proposals and awards.

The role requires deep knowledge of research regulations, strong analytical skills, and the ability to advise faculty and department leadership on budget and compliance matters.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three (3) years of related 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 knowledge of IFIS, FinancialLink, PPS, or equivalent programs.
• Proven ability to convert data into informative report formats in order to analyze complex financial issues, recognize potential impacts, identify creative and alternative solutions and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated in-depth working knowledge of full range of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research such as OMB Circulars, A-21, A-110, A-133. Knowledge & ability to interpret grant information from online systems, ie NIH eRA Commons and satisfy requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of SOM academic salary administration and ability to process PPS funding changes. Working knowledge of academic compensation and benefits policies and administration.

Responsibilities

• Pre- and post-award administration including investigator eligibility and documentation review for protocols and submissions.
• Provide consultative services to department administrators and faculty on grant management and compliance.
• Prepare, analyze and summarize faculty compensation and fund management activities for the department.
• Serve as lead fund manager for pre/post award activities and back-up for the faculty compensation manager.
• Independently manage salary negotiation worksheets using funding sources for final salary meetings with the Chair.
• Guide less experienced staff and ensure compliance with institutional policies.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budget management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Policy compliance

Spreadsheet proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

IFIS

FinancialLink

PPS

NIH eRA Commons

Job description

UC San Diego’s Pathology Department seeks a seasoned research administrator to manage pre/post‑award finance, grant administration, and salary analysis, ensuring compliance with federal and non‑federal sponsors. You will train staff and serve as the lead fund manager for complex proposals and awards.

The role requires deep knowledge of research regulations, strong analytical skills, and the ability to advise faculty and department leadership on budget and compliance matters.