Post Award Research Administrator 2 or 3 - Community and Labor Center (Hybrid) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 67984)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $56,690- $109,200.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is:

Research Administrator 2: $27.15 - $28.24/hr

Research Administrator 3: $68,000 - $88,000

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around May 6th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

The RA2 is union represented by the bargaining unit Clerical & Allied Services — CX Teamsters Local 2010.

This position is a hybrid role with a percentage of the time remote and on-site along with a flexible work arrangement, which includes a non-standard work schedule.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

Under general supervision, develops and oversees research awards and/or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research policies. Maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional and research sponsor policies. Receives assignments on a project basis and fully analyzes problems, gathers data and information, and recommends solutions. Completes and approves transactions for signature by Supervisor or other authorized institutional officials. Participates in moderately complex awards and financial transactions that may involve multiple subawards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates and implements budget allocations, conceives of and maintains a chart of accounts or other data management tools, and related business processes. Prepares journal entries, and maintains and reconciles ledger accounts. Participates in gathering data from the general ledger to collect information for UBIT, preparing summary schedules, and answering questions from departments or coordinating getting answers. 
• Applies professional knowledge / experience to prepare, review, and / or approve financial transactions. 
• Organizes, plans, establishes, and monitors fiscal budget control of contracts and grants administration, gifts, endowments, and privately funded projects for faculty research programs. 
• Provides post-award financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with organization policy and agency requirements. 
• Authorizes establishment of complex contract and grant fund accounts with the approval of other analysts, director, or other authorized institutional officials. 
• Participates in training/educational sessions designed to increase knowledge of professional research administration concepts and practices; Attends internal training/workshops about University, SPO, and/or funding agency processes and policies. Participates in moderate or complex proposals and non-financial transactions. 
• Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis.
• Negotiates terms and conditions of complex research agreements and awards from various sponsors. Coordinates and implements budget allocations, conceives of and maintains a chart of accounts or other data management tools, and related business processes. Prepares journal entries, and maintains and reconciles ledger accounts. Participates in gathering data from the general ledger to collect information for UBIT, preparing summary schedules, and answering questions from departments or coordinating getting answers. (RA3)
• Organizes, plans, establishes, and monitors fiscal budget control of contracts and grants administration, gifts, endowments, and privately funded projects for faculty research programs. (RA3)
• Applies contracts and grants concepts to review complex grant or contract proposals and obtain / verify necessary compliance approvals, and recommend / negotiate needed changes to proposals with PIs and / or department administrators. Researches, develops, and implements new research initiatives. Provides guidance and counsel on complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to principal investigators and department administrators. Assists in support of audits as directed by senior staff. (RA3)
• Prepares complex proposal budgets and support documents that are required by proposal guidelines. Provides post-award financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with organization policy and agency requirements. Coordinates proposal submissions. (RA3)
• Develops professional relationships with sponsor representatives to identify funding opportunities in compliance with stated requirements. Delivers specialized training for education workshops in the area of research administration, grant writing, and proposal development to improve funding success. (RA3)
• Previews pre-award update information requested by sponsor representatives before issue of awards and submission. (RA3)
• Reviews and approves or rejects requested fund advance setups or research account updates. (RA3)

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Research Administrator 2

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• A Master's degree in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• One year of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or equivalent experience as outlined, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A masters degree is preferred; however, it may not substitute for the required year of experience. The candidate should possess actual work experience and possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

Research Administrator 3

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. (Required) 
• A Master's degree Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• 3 years of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or equivalent experience as outlined. (Required) 
• A Master's degree and two years of experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants. A Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate should possess actual work experience and possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. Required 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. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles. 
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas. (Preferred)
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration. (Preferred) 
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques. (Preferred)
• Writing skills to draft persuasive text for variety of audiences. (Preferred) 
• Knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. (Preferred)
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. (RA3)
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. Required Ability to manage significant volume of transactions. (RA3)
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles. (RA3)
• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor's guidelines. (RA3)
• Ability to conduct professionally and build relationships, as part of a public-serving institution. (RA3)

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7    (on the application)               Referrals          

How did you hear about the job?               (select) “other”

Additional information?                              (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                          (write in) first and last name of referring employee  

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

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