Overview
Research Administrator Jobs in San Diego, USA at UC San Diego
Position: Research Administrator 3 – 139876
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.
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.
Fund Management Duties
- Number of Proposals Submitted: 51
- Dollar Amount of Proposals Submitted: $57.48M
- Percentage of Proposal Types: 74% Federal, 14% Private, 12% Industry
- Number of Awards Managed: 38
- Dollar amount of Awards Managed (separate direct and indirect costs): $10M direct, $4M indirect.
- Percentage of Award Types: 70% grant, 12% contract, 18% other (co-op and personal agreements)
- Number of PI’s supported: 23
Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement
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…
Title: Research Administrator
Company: UC San Diego
Location: San Diego, USA
Category:
