Post-award Research Administrator 3 (hybrid/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 salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $76,000 - $95,000.

This position (if local incumbent) may be hybrid; there is a possibility for fully remote within the state of California

Initial applicant review will take place on or around October 13th. Posting will close upon selection.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Research Administrator (RA) will be responsible for post-award management within the Office of Research and Economic Development at UC Merced. The RA will develop direct working relationships with faculty to support them with their extramural research funding, including providing first-level support with activity on funding as well as guidance complying with federal, state, and institutional policy. The RA will work independently on complex awards involving multiple investigators and/or multiple subawards. Specifically, the RA assists in the financial management of contract and grant funding, gift and other support funding. This position will independently process research awards; be responsible for all transactions related to contract and grant management, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained; and maintain contract and grant records in compliance with institutional record retention policies. When necessary, this position will provide guidance and training to less experienced staff.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Perform complex and detailed reconciliations of all assigned funds monthly and according to university policy. Review expenditures to date and analyze spending trends. Adjust encumbrances and identify new obligations as needed. Identify discrepancies between planned and actual spending. Identify, investigate, and resolve inappropriate ledger entries.

2. Provide to faculty monthly reports on budget versus actual grant expenditures, which include budget and expenditure forecasts based on scenarios discussed with the investigator, as well as key performance indicators developed by the RA or dictated by the sponsoring agency. Meet regularly with the investigator to discuss project progress, discuss any issues that need resolution, and provide guidance on any policy changes that will affect the investigator's research.

3. Monitor all sponsored project activity throughout project life cycle, ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring cost overruns; tracking cost sharing and ensuring all documentation requirements are met and documentation retained; and reviewing for unallowable activity. Work with investigators and appropriate offices to address any changes to the project that require sponsor approval.

4. Provide first-level guidance concerning allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency to ensure compliance with appropriate University policies, sponsor terms and conditions - including all governmental regulations, as well as Cost Accounting Standards. Independently research and stay up to date on all policy changes.

5. Coordinate and/or process all transactions on assigned funds, including the hiring of all personnel, summer salary appointments, and procurement actions. Subaward management including coordination of related purchase orders; reviewing subaward agreements and ensuring investigator at UCM and staff at subaward understand and comply with the terms; review invoices for compliance with administrative policies and budget prior to submission to UCM investigator for review and authorization; and monitor payments to sub awardee. Monitor payments to other, non-subaward, vendors. Review and track payroll. Prepare and monitor all payroll and non-payroll cost transfers. Assist in the support of audits as directed by senior staff or the central office. Perform year-end financial closing functions for all assigned accounts, maintaining positive fund balances for fiscal year closing. Act as a liaison between investigators and other administrative offices. Assist other University offices with grant-related questions or needs including the preparation of detailed sponsor reports or invoices when necessary. Coordinate all closeout activities on assigned grants. Ensure that all final documents are received by sponsoring agency. Work with central offices to identify and resolve timely issues at closeout. Assist investigator and central office with compliance with effort reporting requirements. Ensure effort reports are consistent with the planned spending on the projects and assist investigator with questions regarding effort reports.

6. Assist investigator and central office with compliance with effort reporting requirements. Ensure effort reports are consistent with the planned spending on the projects and assist investigator with questions regarding effort reports.

7. Develop direct working relationships with faculty to support them in the preparation of proposal packets (documents, budgets, and timelines, etc.) in accordance with the sponsor call for proposals (funding opportunity).

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields; or Advanced degree in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields (preferred); and

• 3 years of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or equivalent experience as outlined. (with a Master's degree, two years of related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts is required).

• Ability to research and self-identify projects for completion.

• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and prioritize workload, projects, and requests.

• Requires thorough understanding of research administration guidelines from Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.

• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.

• Thoroughly knowledgeable in applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, et cetera.

• Requires independent judgment and strong organization and communication skills.

• Must have strong customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.

Background check 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.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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/