Associate, Center Support - Cancer Center

Sanford Burnham Prebys is more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges. We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

About the role

The Center Support Associate provides high-level administrative and research support to the Sanford Burnham Prebys NCI-Designated Cancer Center. This role includes supporting scheduling, travel arrangements, reimbursements, special events, invited speakers, and pre- and post-award processes. The position ensures the smooth operation of Center leadership activities and works closely with the Cancer Center Director and the Associate Director for Administration. By driving administrative excellence, this role is critical in helping our Cancer Center achieve its mission.

Responsibilities

• Administrative Support
  • Manage faculty and lab calendars; schedule internal/external meetings
  • Coordinate domestic and international travel; process reimbursements and credit card reconciliation
  • Interface with institutional offices on behalf of faculty
  • Post and manage Cancer Center-related announcements on institutional websites and social media (LinkedIn and Bluesky)
  • Support seminars, symposium, and events coordination
  • Track regulatory credentials for faculty and trainees across sponsor platforms; ensure all required training and profiles (e.g., ORCID, eRA Commons) are up to date
  • Lab ordering for non-scientific supplies
• Pre-Award Grant Administration
  • Assist with project timelines, internal checklists, and coordination of complex applications
  • Build detailed budgets and justifications
  • Assist PIs and key personnel with generating NIH biosketches and current/pending support documentation using SciENcv
  • Coordinate and verify submission documents from consortia, subcontractors, and collaborators
  • Identify standard and targeted funding opportunities relevant for Cancer Center faculty using sponsor webpages and InfoEd SPIN; maintain internal tracking systems for LOIs and invited applications via regular communications
  • Support targeted faculty through individualized communications and reminders about upcoming opportunities, deadlines, and documentation needs
• Post-Award Grant Administration and Compliance
  • Monitor monthly financial reports and update PIs on balances in support of Research Accounting
  • Assist with preparation of progress and final reports for awarded and complex grants, including upkeep of MyNCBI, managing internal timelines and biographies/libraries as needed
  • Assist faculty with patent/invention reporting and submission processes for funded research
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Cancer Center Director or ADA to support the broader research mission and administrative excellence of the Center

Requirements

• Education: Associate degree, or equivalent education, training, and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been attained. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Four years prior experience providing administrative support in a high-demand, challenging environment. Previous experience in pre- and post-award grant administration is beneficial.

Skills

• Strong analytical, time management, organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
• Able to exercise sound judgement and critical thinking
• Able to seamlessly switch from one task to another and prioritize workload
• Works independently as well as in a team environment
• Responsible, organized, and a problem solver
• Strong attention to detail
• Effectively interacts with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; Microsoft 2016 or Office 365 is preferred – Intermediate skill in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Capacity to learn department-specific software tools as needed

Work Environment

The work environment is in a standard office setting. This position is intended to be on-site. Frequently exposed to low to moderate noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to execute physical activities required to perform essential functions, including but not limited to regular sitting and mobility, continual communication both in person and on the telephone, regular keyboarding, and regular reading of both print and digital material.

Location

This is an onsite position in San Diego. Candidates must be willing to work onsite, and out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Pay

The expected hiring range for this role is $55,565 - $72,185 per year, commensurate with skills and experience.