Post-Award Research Administrator Team Lead (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 $90,000 - $122,700.

This position is approved for a remote work modality. Incumbent may be required to travel to Merced for occasional critical meetings.

Preference will be given to California-based applicants.

This position is represented by RPSP (UAW).

Initial applicant review will take place on or after 7/20/2026. 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.

Under the direction of the Post Award Supervisor, the Post-Award Research Administrator Team Lead applies advanced contract and grant concepts to manage complex research project portfolios for various Project Investigators across all schools and departments at UC Merced. Provides complex analysis 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 on complex issues related to 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, involving independent judgment and broad, deep knowledge of the technical aspects of research administration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists the organization as needed with planning, establishment, and monitoring of budget control of contracts and grants administration. Recommends designs for the development and improvement of operating procedures, policies, and guidelines. Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures for department operations.

2. 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 award/agreement amendments, including no-cost extensions.

3. Provides highly complex projections, analysis, 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 an expenditure plan to avoid cost overruns and disallowances. Administers, in coordination with central and departmental administrators, the administrative and financial aspects of complex, awarded projects with campuswide impact.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. May act in a lead capacity within the unit. May mentor, train, and provide guidance to a team of research administrators. Participate in the selection and development of staff to help ensure the efficient operation of the function. Trains staff and help to create 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.

7. Assists in support of audit and perform other duties as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of directly related progressively responsible experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or nine years of equivalent experience/training (required); and/or

• Master's degree and four years of experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants. Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate must have actual work experience and the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position (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.

• 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.

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/