Research Administrator 2 or 3 (Remote)
: Job Details :

Apply for Job Job ID 78847 Location Merced Full/Part Time Full Time Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job 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:

Research Administrator 2: $34.43/hr

Research Administrator 3: $76,100 - $95,100

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around June 23rd, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position will be 100% remote with a possibility of 2x annual visits to campus for potential meetings.

The Research Administrator contract period for this position will be August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. Extension may be possible contingent on funding.

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

The Research Administrator 2 would be career contingent upon funding with an expected start date of August 1, 2025 and end date of July 31, 2026. Extension may be possible contingent on funding.

This position is eligible for full UC benefits.

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 three relatively new campus Centers-the Center for Resilient, Equitable, & Sustainable Futures, the Fire Resilience Center, and the Energy Center-in standing up an emerging climate institute at UC Merced. This is a contract-based position with an appointment through July 30, 2026. 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

• 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.
• 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 nonfinancial activities. Ensures all proposed research activities comply with the sponsor and the university's policies. Ensures the proposal packet is complete and the sponsor's guideline is followed. Prepares proposal budgets and support documents that are required by proposal guidelines. Coordinates proposal submissions with Contract and Grant Officers in the Sponsored Projects Office.
• Provides research administration support: prepare Principal Investigator summer salaries in accordance with award budget, prepare no-cost extension requests, re-budget requests, funding set-up with a new chart of accounts for initial award notices, handle all account cleanup; payroll transfers/direct retros, fund changes, monitor the maintenance of open commitments, and approve award transactions according to grant guidelines and allowability.
• Keeps updated on relevant changes in University and sponsoring agencies' guidelines by attending training seminars and 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.
• Provides additional administrative support to the Chief Administrative Officer as requested. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Under general supervision, apply contract and grant concepts to assist with PI's research proposals and ensure all proposed research activities comply with the sponsor and the university's policies. Ensure the proposal packet is complete and the sponsor's guideline is followed. Prepares proposal budgets and support documents required by proposal guidelines. Coordinates proposal submissions with Contract and Grant Officers in Sponsored Projects Office. (Research Admin 2)
• Under general supervision, serves as the primary faculty liaison, assists Principal Investigators (PI) with developing straightforward contract and grant proposals, including reviewing RFP, working with sub-awardee to gather required proposal documents, and responding to requests of information; researching and compiling proposal files required. (Research Admin 2)
• Under general supervision, reviews and tracks budget and expenditures related to post-award activities, including pulling cost reports, processing award amendments, budget modifications, no cost extensions and closeout of projects as needed. (Research Admin 2)
• Under general supervision, provides advice and counsel regarding proposal preparation and post award compliance regulations to PIs and other stakeholders. (Research Admin 2)
• Assists in support of audit as directed by Supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. (Research Admin 2)

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Research Administrator 2:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management. (Required)
• Master's degree in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• One year of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or equivalent experience as outlined. A master's degree is preferred; however, it may not substitute for the required year of experience. The candidate should possess actual work experience and possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

Research Administrator 3:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• 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. (Required)
• Research Administration Experience. (Required)
• Familiarity with Oracle-based financial management environment. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• 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.
• General knowledge of applicable federal, state, local, sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. (Preferred) (Research Admin 2)
• Ability to perform moderately complex financial analysis and customized reporting. (Research Admin 2)
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. (Research Admin 2)

Background Check

Background check will be 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 ...@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.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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

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: