Lead Research Administrator-HYBRID

Lead Research Administrator – HYBRID

Hybrid schedule: onsite at UC San Diego campus and remote. This role will be part of the UAW union moving forward.

The incumbent serves as the departmental lead sponsoring research administrator, providing oversight, mentorship, and advanced guidance to research administration staff. Applies expert knowledge of federal, state, local, sponsor, and institutional regulations to direct and review complex proposal and award management activities. Works independently to resolve unique or precedent‑setting issues and serves as the primary escalation point for junior research administrators.

Acts as the designated mentor for new staff and the lead for training, delegation of assignments, and professional development. Demonstrates mastery of fund‑management concepts, especially those related to high‑complexity transactions, and ensures consistent interpretation of policy and compliance across the department. Leads or contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote efficiency, consistency, and accountability in research administration.

Provides analytical and financial oversight for proposal processing, contract and grant administration, and budget development, including high‑complexity, multi‑institutional awards. Engages in pre‑award and post‑award activities for federal, state, local, and private sponsors, ensuring all submissions and financial actions comply with institutional and sponsor requirements. Coordinates forecasting, planning, and reporting efforts to support departmental research portfolios and ensures accurate, timely financial management.

Analyzes and resolves unique financial management issues without precedent, setting new policy and administrative standards for the department.

Provides team leadership in the development of policies and procedures; approves or recommends for approval changes. Liaises with other teams that support trainees, scholars, and fellows. Has detailed expert understanding of graduate programs, stipend and fee schedules, and an ability to navigate complex funding issues related to graduate student researchers. Responsible for developing cost projects for faculty with these populations and will lead the funding entry process for all student researchers, trainees, scholars, and fellows.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Five (5) or more years of relevant experience, preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong organization and communication skills; customer service focus across broad diverse subject areas.
• Knowledge of sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. 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.
• Ability to interpret policy for others. Experience mentoring new researchers in sponsored project administration.
• Extensive experience with sponsored project (pre‑and post‑award) management for student populations and educational related award types.
• Extensive experience working with training grants, fellowships,…