Research Administrator (RSCH ADM 2 CX)

Under general supervision of the Financial Operations Analyst and CAO, provide extramural planning and budgetary analysis serve as one of the compliance officers for department contract and grant activity and act as a resource to the PIs, department manager, and chair. Independently gather and apply financial data and University financial
management mechanisms to ensure comprehensive and accurate budget construction. Responsible for pre- and post-award processes, budget preparation, analysis, and forecasting, and for control of complex budgets. Conduct financial analysis and effort reporting and participate in the financial planning for a wide variety of federal, state, and
private grants. Work with Principal Investigators and engineers to understand new proposals, analyze programmatic needs, and make recommendations. Serve as a member of MAE's C&G analyst team, providing resource to MAE investigators and research personnel.

Apply By Date: September 26, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: MECHANICAL & AEROSPACE ENGR IS RECRUITING FOR ONE RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR POSITION AT THE RSCH ADM 2 OR RSCH ADM 3 LEVEL BASED ON EXPERIENCE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, SUBMIT A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR EACH POSITION. IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN THE RSCH ADM 3 LEVEL - APPLY TO JO 78927 BY 09/26/2025.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Experience in financial analysis, forecasting and strategic planning to analyze and compile financial data and reports and to recognize and respond to problems with cost recovery, invoices, accounts and payroll.
• Experience controlling complex budgets, accounting and personnel functions including detailed budget preparation, contract and grant budget proposals, purchasing, payroll, ledger reconciliation, and fiscal close.
• Experience with federal, state and private compliance regulations governing grant budgeting, financial reporting, cost-sharing standards, cost allocation, and policies regarding use of grant funds.
• Interpersonal communication and organizational skills to work with various business partners, changing priorities and demanding workload to independently manage and monitor multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Experience with budget preparation using Excel based on narrative methodological research plans and designs, analysis, and forecasting and on quantitative aspects of fiscal and budgetary issues
• Problem-solving skills using automated financial and payroll/personnel systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of cost allocation methods. Analytical skills to assume responsibility for coordination and completion of complex projects requiring interactions with many internal parties in a large organizational structure.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex data and develop meaningful solutions to specific problems.
• Organizational skills to work with changing priorities and demanding workload and to use independent judgement to make logical and sound decisions.
• Interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse population and to research, secure, and/or provide information to clarify situations, and resolve problems.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Extramural Planning/Budgetary Analysis
• 30% - Accounts Management
• 10% - Policy Compliance

Department Overview

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering is a large, complex academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in different subspecialties. The Department has 35 faculty, 17 emeriti faculty, 1 adjunct professor, 1 professional research engineer, 15 technical staff, and 11 administrative staff. The department has one of the largest undergraduate and graduate programs in the college with approximately 900 undergraduates and 200 graduate students enrolled. The department's annual budget of ~$16M (instructional and research) with 400+ active accounts and an eclectic research enterprise externally funded by federal, state and
private sponsors, endowment, and individual/corporate donors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $36.83 - $50.56/hour
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 151
• UC Job Title: RSCH ADM 2 CX
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - CX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work with frequent interruptions. Work flexible schedule. Work occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or operation needs. Limited vacation during busy periods, such as fiscal closing and during grant/project deadlines.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks