PRINCIPAL CONTRACT AND GRANT OFFICER

at  UC San Diego

UC SAN DIEGO VALUES EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF OUR TEAM, POSSESS THE NEEDED LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS, AND FEEL THAT YOU HAVE MOST OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR TRANSFERABLE SKILLS FOR A JOB OPENING, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 08/29/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 09/09/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
Remote work arrangements is available.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Principal Contract and Grant Officer is responsible for the solicitation, negotiation, and acceptance of extramurally sponsored research awards received by SIO from Federal, industrial and non-profit (domestic and foreign) granting and contracting agencies, and via other University of California campuses. Independently resolves highly complex and difficult contractual issues relying upon extensive knowledge of University sponsored research policy. Provides professional expertise and guidance to departments in proposal preparation, performs analytical review of proposals, and coordinates proposal submission to agencies ensuring compliance with agency and University regulations. Interprets and guides departments regarding University, non-profit sponsor and Federal policies. Independently reviews award terms and conditions in accordance with University policies, negotiates modifications in accordance with University policy, and signs award documents within delegated authority.
Strong communications skills are required for managing interactions with PI’s, Business Offices, SIO management, central UCSD administrative offices, systemwide offices, internal and external legal counsel and the executive officers and contract officers of sponsors. Responsible for providing guidance regarding award requirements and non-standard issues to SIO PI’s and SIO Business Offices during the life of an award, including high profile and high-risk awards, and facilitating resolution of difficult situations. The Principal Contract and Grant Officer maintains organized electronic records.
The Principal Contract and Grant Officer coordinates post-award activity by endorsing and/or approving contract actions. Provides expert analytical skills and detailed knowledge of University, Federal and State regulations during the proposal phase, award negotiation and life of an award. Provides back-up support to other SIO OCGA Contract and Grant Officers. In concert with other SIO OCGA Officers, participates in developing and conducting in-house training programs relating to sponsored research.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Advanced knowledge/experience in use and interpretation of various government and University regulations and policies regarding procurement and administration of contracts and grants, as well as, general knowledge of University policies relating to academic personnel, the appropriate use of University facilities, sales and services activities, and stewardship responsibilities. Extensive working knowledge of University research policies, the non-profit and industry sponsor environments, and State/Federal regulations.
• Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements. Familiarity with and experience with research funding mechanisms. Demonstrated knowledge of policy distinctions between gifts, grants, and contract mechanisms for support of University programs. Ability to interpret the varying objectives and needs of the Principal Investigator and Sponsor in order to advise on the appropriate support mechanisms.
• Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration. Extensive experience performing review of solicitations and awards in relation to receipt of University support from extramural sources.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Strong demonstrated analytical skills to identify problem areas and potential issues, develop resolutions to unusual and complex issues and make independent decisions/recommendations based on University and sponsor policies, and external regulations/laws, to implement appropriate and effective solutions.
• Demonstrated skills and ability to negotiate effectively to successfully represent the University’s position regarding protection of intellectual property and other complex, high-risk key research elements (e.g., publication, data rights, export control, foreign national participation, indemnification, access to/use of biological materials, etc.) in sponsored Research Contracts and Grants, Material Transfer Agreements, Collaborative Agreements, and other unfunded agreements.
• Possess superior oral and written negotiation/communication and persuasion skills in dealing with diverse groups of people, with a high degree of diplomacy and tact. Demonstrated customer service skills. Operate well as a “people person” and team player.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas. Possess the highest degree of organizational and detail-oriented skills. Experience successfully assessing, balancing, and prioritizing numerous competing concerns and managing pressure, deadlines and sudden assignments while successfully maintaining work flow.
• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration.
• Ability to interpret policy for others.

IF EMPLOYED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH OUR POLICY ON VACCINATION PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY BE AMENDED OR REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME. FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVES MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
UC San Diego 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, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Please refer the Job description for details