PRINCIPAL CONTRACT AND GRANT OFFICER - 131728

The SIO Office of Contract and Grant Administration (SIO OCGA) provides customer-focused expertise and professional services to advance research and other sponsored activities within the Scripps community. SIO OCGA provides proposal review, submission, and acceptance and award negotiation services for extramurally funded grants, cooperative agreements, multi-campus awards and contacts from State and Federal government sponsors, industry/commercial firms, Federal laboratories, other universities and non-profit organizations. The SIO OCGA contract and grant officers hold a specific delegation of authority, granted by the Regents via the Chancellor, to solicit and execute extramural contracts and grants, following UC policies, on behalf of Scripps.

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.

• 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.

• Must be able to work effectively during highly stressful periods.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.

• Must be flexible in working hours and available to work non-standard hours.

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.

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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. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace