Post-Award Research Administrator 4 (Remote)

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 $77,900- $143,300. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $88,500 - $110,500.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 15th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is primarily remote, with occasional mandatory in-person training and team-building activities at the UC Merced campus.

This position is a contract appointment with an end date of 6/30/26.

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.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, the research administrator uses advanced contracts and grants concepts to manage complex research project portfolios for various Project Investigators within all schools and departments at UC Merced. Provides complex analysis and reports to the Executive Director of Research Administration and faculty leadership related to research grant productivity. Coordinates service delivery with Schools, Organized Research Units (ORUs), and campus departments. Requires interpretation of UC policies and sponsor guidelines as they relate to necessary approvals, allowable costs, and budgets. Responsible for implementing complex fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding regulations, and advising principal investigators and project staff on existing options or alternatives, effectively recommending courses of action. Also provides analytical and financial support to principal investigators for complex issues regarding budget revisions, post-award management, and closeout activities, including federal, state, local, and private sponsors. This position requires highly developed organizational, planning, coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills, which involve independent judgment and broad and deep knowledge of the technical aspects of research administration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the organization as needed with planning, establishment, and monitoring of budget control of contracts and grants administration. Recommends designs for developing and improving operating procedures, policies, and guidelines. Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures for department operations.
• Acts as a fiscal consultant; Reviews budget allocations for policy exceptions; manages a wide range of sponsors with varying policies, restrictions, and deliverables; provides post-award non-financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with University costing policy and agency requirements; analyzes expenses, develops cost projections, provides financial tracking and fiscal control, and fulfills reporting requirements. Helps to ensure the timely and complete filing of progress reports and competitive renewals. Supports processing of non-competing continuations, supplements, and other awards/agreement amendments, including no-cost extensions.
• Provides highly complex projections, analyses, and recommendations. Works with other campus departments and/or recharge units to resolve complex invoicing problems and billing/payment discrepancies; identifies potential overdrafts and recommends expenditure plans to avoid cost overruns and disallowances. In coordination with central and departmental administrators, handles the administrative and financial aspects of complex, awarded projects with campus-wide impact.
• Keeps abreast of relevant changes in University and sponsoring agencies' guidelines by attending training seminars, monitoring listservs, and University and sponsoring agencies' websites. Assists in keeping team members updated on all relevant changes.
• Assists with establishing and achieving annual learning objectives for skill-building and professional development. 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 incumbent's supervisor.
• May act in a lead capacity within the unit. May mentor, train, and provide guidance to a team of research administrators. Participates in the selection and development of staff to help ensure the efficient operation of the function. Trains staff and helps to create an effective teamwork environment. Advises, mentors, and trains staff to take ownership of their assignments and carry out their responsibilities. Functions as a resource to advise staff on challenges such as researching complex research administration issues and escalating problems/concerns to the post-award supervisor.
• Assists in support of audit and perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or nine years of equivalent experience as indicated. A Master's degree is preferred, and may substitute for one year of experience. (Required)
• Nine (9) years of equivalent education, training, and experience if applicant is missing bachelor's degree. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Advanced 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 high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated advanced 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 knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration. (Preferred)
• Ability to interpret policy for others.
• Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques.
• Advanced ability to create and train grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required. (Preferred)

Background check will be required.

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/

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.