Research Administrator (Remote)

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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is: For the Research Administrator 2 is: $34.43 - $38.26 and the Research Administrator 3 is: $80,100. - $85,000
Job Closing Date

This is a multi-year contract appointment eligible for full University of California benefits.

This 100% appointment is approved to be 100% remote although hiring preference will be given to California residents.

This position may be hired as a Research Administrator 2 or a Research Administrator 3 (depending on qualifications - which are stated below).

The Research Administrator 2 position is represented by Teamsters Local 2010 - Clerical and Allied Services Unit - CX

The Research Administrator 3 position is represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) - Non-Academic Unit - RP

The initial applicant review for this position will be on or around June 8^th, 2026. Posting will close on Sunday, June 7th at midnight.
About UC Merced

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.
About the Job

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) is seeking 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. This is an opportunity to support SNRI and the emerging UC Merced Earth Institute and its three affiliated campus Centers - Fire Resilience Center, Sustainable Energy Center, and Equitable Climate Solutions Center.

This is a contract-based position with an appointment through June 30, 2028. 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:

1. FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION: 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.
   
2. REPORTING: 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 non-financial activities. Ensures all proposed research activities comply with the sponsor and the university's policies. Ensure the proposal packet is complete and the sponsor's guidelines are followed. Prepares proposal budgets and supporting documents required by proposal guidelines. Coordinates proposal submissions with Contract and Grant Officers in the Sponsored Projects Office. Provides research administration support: prepares Principal Investigator summer salaries in accordance with award budget; prepares no-cost extension requests, re-budget requests, and funding set-up with a new chart of accounts for initial award notices; handles all account cleanup; performs payroll transfers/direct retros, fund changes, and monitors the maintenance of open commitments; and approves award transactions according to grant guidelines and allowability.
   
3. POLICIES AND GUIDELINES: Keeps up to date on relevant changes to University and sponsoring agencies' guidelines by attending training seminars and checking 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.
   
4. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: Provides additional administrative support to the Chief Administrative Officer as requested. Performs other duties as assigned.
   

*LI-RM1
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for Research Administrator 2:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Management, Business Law, Business Administration or other related fields (required); and
  
• One year of directly related experience working with federal, state, or other contracts and grants.
  

Minimum Qualifications for Research Administration 3:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields (required); and/or
  
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields (preferred); and
  
• Minimum of 3 (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 master's degree in a related field is preferred and may substitute for one year of related experience.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with Oracle-based financial management environment (preferred).
  
• 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 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.

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/


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucm/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=86402&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=25&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant







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