Research Administrator (RSCH ADM 3)

Under general supervision of the Financial Operations Analyst and CAO, independently responsible for fiscal control, accounting and reporting for a wide variety of contracts and grants and full financial portfolio of Principal Investigators in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). Serve as one of the compliance officers for department's most complex contracts and grants activity and a primary resource advisor to faculty for pre and post award processes, research personnel, and financial planning. Works in a highly independent capacity dealing with complex proposals and award management to ensure comprehensive and accurate budget development. Responsible for a diverse scope of pre- and post-award processes, budget development, analysis, forecasting, and for control of complex budgets. Provide highly complex financial analysis and effort reporting, and participate in the financial planning for a wide variety of federal, state, and private grants. Work with Principal Investigators and research engineers to understand cross-disciplinary proposals, analyze programmatic needs, and make recommendations. Departmental compliance expert on University policy and procedure for all department and research business processes. Independently serve as liaison and department representative to the Office of Research, Accounting and Financial Services, Business Contracts, and outside agencies including Federal and private sponsoring agencies as well as prime- and sub-contracting agencies.

Apply By Date July 1, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training; including completed Research Administration certificate (RAC) or ability to obtain RAC within two years from date of appointment.
• Experience in financial analysis, forecasting and strategic planning to analyze quantitative aspects of fiscal and budgetary issues and with compiling financial data and reports.
• Experience in federal, state, and private grant budget preparation based on narrative methodological research plans and designs, analysis, and forecasting to control complex budgets as well as with financial reporting policies.
• Experience recognizing and responding to problems with cost recovery, invoices, accounts and payroll.
• Experience providing leadership and decision making to solve problems and to evaluate business needs and critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex data and develop meaningful solutions to specific problems.
• Organizational skills to work with changing priorities and demanding workload to independently manage and monitor multiple accounts simultaneously and to meet multiple and variable priorities and deadlines, including proficiency in Excel using pivot tables, advanced functions, and formulas to solve complex problems and streamline processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree.
• Experience with UC Davis accounting, purchasing, entertainment, travel, and business management practices.
• Knowledge of UC Davis hiring/employment practices within an academic department.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, cost allocation methods, and accounting policies and procedures in an academic environment.
• Completed Research Administration Certificate (RAC) or ability to obtain within two years from date of appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Extramural Planning, Budgetary Analysis, and Forecasting
• 30% - Organization, Account Management & Analysis
• 10% - Policy Compliance

Department Overview

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering is a large, complex academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in different sub-specialties. The Department has 35 faculty, 17 emeriti faculty, 1 adjunct professor, 1 professional research engineer, 15 technical staff, and 11 administrative staff. The department has one of the largest undergraduate and graduate programs in the college with approximately 970 undergraduates and 190 graduate students enrolled. The department's annual budget of ~$18M (instructional and research) with 400+ active accounts and an eclectic research enterprise externally funded by federal, state and private sponsors, endowment, and individual/corporate donors. The incumbent of this position works in an independent manner, providing advice and guidance to the Chair, CAO, and Principal Investigators (PI's), and works closely with the Dean's Office, Office of Research Business Contracts, Accounting and Financial Services, sponsoring agencies, and other external parties (subcontractors, consultants, etc.) to facilitate the timely submission of proposals and to expedite the transfer of awards. Serves on campus and college wide committees associated with financial management matters.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $67,700/yr. - $120,500/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 21
• UC Job Title: RSCH ADM 3
• UC Job Code: 006206
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs. - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs. - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work with frequent interruptions. Work flexible schedule. Occasionally work outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet workload deadlines or operation needs. Limited vacation during busy periods, such as fiscal closing and during grant/project deadlines.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks