About Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s most iconic teaching and research institutions. Since 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world. Berkeley’s culture of openness, freedom and acceptance—academic and artistic, political and cultural—make it a very special place for students, faculty and staff.

Berkeley is committed to hiring and developing staff who want to work in a high performing culture that supports the outstanding work of our faculty and students. In deciding whether to apply for a staff position at Berkeley, candidates are strongly encouraged to consider the alignment of the Berkeley Workplace Culture with their potential for success at http://jobs.berkeley.edu/why-berkeley.html.

Departmental Overview

The Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) is the Berkeley campus’ central administrative office with primary responsibility and delegated authority for liaison with extramural sponsors and is authorized by the Office of the President and the Chancellor to submit proposals and accept awards for research, instruction, fellowships, exhibits, performances, administrative activities and other public services.  SPO reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research through the office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration and Compliance (AVC-RAC). 

SPO is responsible for all aspects of pre-award and non-financial post-award contract and grant administration.  SPO staff members review, approve, and submit over 3,500 proposals developed by Berkeley faculty and staff each year.  In FY 2014 over 4,500 awards transactions totaling more than $700 million were received and processed by SPO.  These funds account for approximately one-third of Berkeley’s annual operating budget and come from federal and state agencies, local and foreign governments, foundations, corporations, and other outside organizations.  SPO has stewardship responsibilities for extramural awards from all government, foundation and non-profit organizations for the campus.

Responsibilities

The Research Analyst 5 (RA5) is a peer leader within the Sponsored Projects Office and assists SPO managers to develop and implement office procedures to support campus C&G policy.  

The RA5 manages the most highly complex pre-award and non-financial post award transactions related to grants and contracts. 

The person in this position is expected to maintain current expert knowledge of federal, state and non-profit sponsor regulations, policies, requirements, procedures and areas of interest and to mentors less experienced RAs within SPO in these areas.

The RA5 is responsible for the administrative review of a large volume of grant and contract proposals and budgets.  The RA5  detects areas where new regulations need to be understood, implemented and communicated and provides training and assistance to PIs and Departments across the campus to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies.   

The RA5 negotiates the terms and conditions of complex research grant, contract, and subcontract awards from a variety of domestic and international sponsors in accordance with UC policy and federal compliance requirements. 

The RA5 is expected to provide peer leadership and feedback in the ongoing improvement of SPO services and to work as a member of a highly qualified team of professionals dedicated to quality service and work product excellence.  

The RA5 assists with external and/or internal audits as needed to facilitate examination of research administration operations and active and closed projects.

Required Qualifications

The successful RA5 candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education - or equivalent experience - and at least five years of experience in pre-award research administration, preferably in a central research administration office that processes a high volume of external proposals in a comprehensive university setting. We are looking for an experienced research administrator.  Candidates without a background in proposal submission and award/contract negotiation will not be competitive.  

The successful candidate will be familiar with the content and use of prior OMB circulars (A21, A110, and A-133) as well as the Federal Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.  We expect the successful applicant to have:
• Extensive experience with proposal development and submission through a variety of sponsor mechanisms
• Substantial background in contract negotiations; a working knowledge of the FAR
• A thorough understanding of current and emerging compliance issues affecting grants and contracts.
• Excellent organization and oral/written communication skills as demonstrated by past performance
• An interest in and demonstrated ability to learn new skills and competencies quickly  
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills 
• A high level of proficiency in using a variety of computer applications.  
• The ability to multi-task and follow through under tight deadlines is critical.  
• The ability to work independently as well as a member/leader of a dynamic professional group. 
• A passion for excellence and a strong work ethic
• A demonstrated commitment to continuous process improvement

Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking someone with a substantial background in the negotiation of complex award and contracts with a variety of sponsors.  Experience in team leadership is highly desirable.

Salary & Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $86,600 to $101,800, commensurate with experience.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: 

http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

To apply for this position applicants should submit a resume and a (required) cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications listed above. This is not an entry level position. The candidate should provide examples of how they have demonstrated these experiences, qualities, and skills in the past.  Candidates should also indicate how this position relates to their short and long term career aspirations. 

The cover letter and resume must also be submitted as a single document (one attachment) as the application system cannot accept multiple attachments per position.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities.  Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.    The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant see: http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct