Research Administrator

Research Administrator at University of California, Irvine summary :

The Research Administrator at UC Irvine supports the development and management of research grants and contracts by coordinating proposals, overseeing compliance, and handling financial administration. This role requires expertise in federal and non-federal research funding mechanisms, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, and reporting. The incumbent acts as a technical leader managing complex research portfolios and ensuring adherence to institutional policies and sponsor regulations.

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit in 1968, the UCI School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry boasts a rich legacy of pioneering research into the fundamental building blocks of life. Our dedication to basic science research fuels advancements in medicine and cultivates a collaborative environment for scientists to flourish.

Your Role on the Team

The position involves providing analytical, financial and training activities in support of contract and grant proposal development, grant-writing, funding, administration, and budget development. Activities may include pre-award proposal initiatives, management of funds post-award, and closeout activities for federal, state, local and private sponsors. Involves activities associated with analyzing research funding trends and sources, forecasting, planning, and managing of research portfolios by performing some or all of the following : coordinating and identifying and developing and / or presenting proposals, contracts and other agreements; reviewing proposals to ensure institutional compliance and program success; administering and monitoring contract and grant awards, including compliance with regulations, terms and conditions; financial management and reporting; and sub award / subcontract issuance and administration.

Incumbent will be a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Uses advanced contracts and grants concepts to manage high volume and high complexity transactions. May review and guide others in the review of financial and administrative management requirements of research contract and grant proposals, awards, and / or transactions to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies. Works independently to assess complex grant, contract and subcontract transactions where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. May be eligible for delegated signature authority. May review and sign transactions for less experienced staff. May serve as a technical specialist in a particular area, such as federal contracts, state contracts, subcontracts or information systems. Central Role (CR) : Typically works on highly complex proposals and awards such as grants / contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required :

• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions of Employment :

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment :

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - Statement :

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.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at or

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

Keywords :

research administration, grant management, contract compliance, financial analysis, budget development, proposal coordination, federal funding, regulatory compliance, sponsor reporting, research portfolio management