Research Administrator RP - Davis, CA,

The Research Administrator 3 RP position involves providing analytical, financial and training activities in support of contract and grant proposal development, funding, administration, and budget development. Activities include pre‑award proposal initiatives, management of funds post‑award, and closeout activities for federal, state, local and private sponsors. The position also analyzes research funding trends and sources, forecasts, plans and manages research portfolios by coordinating proposal development, reviewing proposals for compliance, negotiating contracts, administering grant awards, and performing financial management and reporting.

ANR Statewide Programs and Research and Extension Center Operations (SWPR) manages the budget, financial, personnel, programmatic and administrative operations for the ANR program side. Units served include ANR Senior Leadership, 15 Statewide Programs and Institutes, 9 Research and Extension Centers, and systemwide CE Specialists. Other services are Work groups, Academic Assembly Council, Endowed Chairs, Program Support Unit, Strategic Communications, and Government and Community Relations.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed. The home department is SWPR. While normally based in Davis, CA, the position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for California‑based applicants.

Pay Scale
: $68,500.00/year to $95,200.00/year

Job Posting Close Date
:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 6/4/2026.

• 40% Organizes, plans, establishes and monitors fiscal budget control of contracts and grants administration, gifts, endowments, and privately funded projects for faculty research programs or ANR Statewide programs and Institutes. Applies professional knowledge to prepare, review or approve financial transactions. Provides post‑award financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with organization policy and agency requirements.
• 20% Coordinates proposal submissions including preparing proposal budgets.
• 20% Coordinates and implements budget allocations, maintains chart of accounts or other data management tools and related business processes, prepares journal entries and cost transfers, maintains and reconciles ledger accounts. Participates in gathering data from the general ledger to prepare summary schedules and answer questions from departments.
• 20% Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis.

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non‑Federal sponsors, preferably in a university environment.
• Ability to manage a significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated competence in using spreadsheet and database software for 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor's guidelines.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle and be available for travel on a flexible schedule. Proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check. This position requires a background check and may require fingerprinting.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke‑ and tobacco‑free environment.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
  As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

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.