Research Administrator 3 (Hybrid) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 68122)

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 $61,400- $109,200.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,000 - $88,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around May 8th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Hybrid: 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. Remote work flexibility will be determined by unit management on a case-by-case basis. Must reside in California. 

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

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute is looking for an experienced professional with an in-depth understanding of the professional field and the ability to perform the full range of responsibilities within the Research Administrator 3 function, working both independently and as part of a cohesive team. The RA3 possesses broad job knowledge: analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions; develops direct working relationships with faculty to provide support in the administration of their extramural research funding; uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently assist and/or oversee research proposals, awards, activity, and transactions related to contract and grant management; and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional, state and federal research sponsor policies. Works on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires a thorough understanding of complex regulations. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and/or multiple sub-awards. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Manages and oversees post-award budgets and approves transactions that are allowable, allocable, and reasonable within the grant award guidelines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer. Under limited supervision, applies professional contract and grant concepts to assist with the Principal Investigator's research proposals and nonfinancial activities. Ensures all proposed research activities comply with the sponsor and the university's policies. Ensures the proposal packet is complete and the sponsor's guidelines are followed. Prepares proposal budgets and support documents required by proposal guidelines. Coordinates proposal submissions with Contract and Grant Officers in the Sponsored Projects Office. 
• Under limited supervision, provides post award financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with campus policy and agency requirements. Provides full customer service support to Principal Investigators during the post-award duration. Applies professional knowledge/experience to prepare, review, and/or approve financial transactions and monitor award spending. Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis and future projections. Provides monthly financial reporting to Principal Investigators and advises on future projected spending. Sets up subaward agreements in coordination with the Sponsored Projects Office. Serves as liaison between the Principal Investigator, Sponsored Projects Office, Project Portfolio Financial Team, Procurement, and other departments and schools. Provides guidance and counsel on complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to Principal Investigators. Provides problem-solving and analytical techniques. 
• Provides research administration support: prepares Principal Investigator summer salaries in accordance with award budget; prepares no-cost extension requests and re-budget requests; funds set-up with new chart of accounts for initial award notices; handles all account cleanup; payroll transfers/direct retros; funds changes; monitors the maintenance of open commitments; and approves award transactions according to grant guidelines and allowability.
• Keeps updated of relevant changes in University and sponsoring agencies' guideline by attending training seminars, and University and sponsoring agencies' websites. Learning opportunities may include self-directed activities (such as recommended reading or participation in online courses) and/or programs, courses and activities assigned by the supervisor. 
• Provides additional support to the Chief Administrative Officer as requested. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or another related field, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or seven years of directly related, progressively responsible experience as stated. A masters degree in a related field is preferred, and may substitute for one year of related experience. (Required) 
• Research Administration Experience. (Preferred) 
• Familiarity with Oracle-based financial management environment. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. (Preferred) 
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. (Preferred) 
• 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. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques. (Preferred)
• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor guidelines.

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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