Grants Specialist

About the role

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and/or oversee research proposals, awards, and/or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. Works on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires thorough understanding of complex regulations. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and/or multiple sub awards. Guides less experienced staff.

Central Role

Is eligible for delegated signature authority (may vary by campus).

Department Role

Typically works on complex proposals such as grants/contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards.

About the Department

The Office of Sponsored Research is an advocate for all researchers at UCSF and provides them with comprehensive pre-award services. The OSR, a $23M operation, is comprised of eleven shared service teams, including 151 Proposal and Grants Officers/Specialists/Associates, Contract and Award Officers/Specialists/Associates, and Team Managers supporting 2000+ faculty, and is responsible for all pre-award grant activity for the campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Ability to take and pass general research administration training.
• Three (3) or more years of related work experience.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations including the application of cost principles.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in the development of complex budget estimations and projections.
• Independent judgment and strong organization and communication skills and customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions and make appropriate determinations based on regulations and the particular policies, sensitivities and the needs of the department, School and UCSF unit(s) being impacted.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate policies and guidelines effectively, both written and verbal.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and the willingness to explore exceptions and options.
• Strong and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, initiative, judgment, decision-making, organizational and communication skills.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Good leadership, diplomacy, judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong time management skills.
• Advanced skills in using software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Ability to learn new systems with ease.
• Ability to provide quality customer service. Ability to interface with various levels of faculty, staff and departments. Effectively balance customer service with regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work independently and possess a pro-active approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with UCSF faculty and UCSF research administration business processes and practices.
• Experience with electronic systems used to manage research administration (e.g., eProposal, Proposal Express, Grants.gov, etc.).