[Hiring] Senior Sponsored Research Administrator @Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Role Description

Play a key role at the center of cutting-edge research. As a Senior Sponsored Research Administrator, you’ll partner closely with faculty to bring innovative ideas to life, guiding proposals from concept to submission and supporting award management every step of the way. If you’re detail-oriented, collaborative, and energized by working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes of groundbreaking research.

Under the direction of the Director or Senior Manager, the Senior Sponsored Research Administrator manages complex sponsored projects across the full lifecycle and serves as a primary resource to faculty for proposal development, compliance interpretation, and award management. This role applies advanced knowledge of sponsor regulations and institutional policies to support high volume and high complexity research portfolios. The Senior SRA operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a mentor to junior staff, providing training and guidance across the institute while ensuring proposals and awards are compliant, accurate, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Pre Award
  • Lead the development and submission of complex proposals, including multi PI, multi site, and interdisciplinary projects.
  • Develop and review detailed budgets and provide guidance on cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
  • Interpret sponsor guidelines and advise faculty on proposal strategy and compliance requirements.
  • Coordinate cross functional teams and manage timelines for high priority submissions.
  • Identify funding opportunities aligned with faculty research and institutional priorities.
  • Review proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance prior to submission.
  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff and institute partners on proposal development and submission processes.
• Post Award (Non-Financial)
  • Analyze award terms and conditions and advise on compliance requirements, risks, and required actions.
  • Lead non-financial post award activities including prior approvals, reporting strategy, and closeout.
  • Oversee the subaward lifecycle including drafting, negotiation support, and issue resolution.
  • Serve as the primary contact for sponsors on administrative matters and respond to inquiries related to award management.
  • Resolve complex issues involving faculty, sponsors, and internal partners.
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and training to staff on post award processes and compliance requirements.
  • Ensure consistent interpretation and application of sponsor and institutional policies across the assigned portfolio.
  • Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in sponsored research administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex proposals and multiple concurrent submissions.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor guidelines.
• Experience with systems such as InfoEd, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of federal sponsor regulations and institutional policies.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues independently.
• Effective communication skills with faculty, leadership, and external sponsors.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high volume environment.
• Proficiency with research administration systems and data management tools.
• Strong project management and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to provide training, mentorship, and leadership to junior staff.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan featuring a generous employer match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to 10% of salary.
• Identity theft protection.
• Access to exclusive savings and experiences through employee discount programs like BenefitHub, FunEx, and TicketsAtWork.
• Free parking with access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations.
• Wellness programs and events throughout the year such as flu shot clinics, health fairs, lunch-and-learns, yoga classes, and more!

Work Location

This is a remote position. Candidates must reside in San Diego, California.

Compensation

The expected hiring rate for this position is $77,087 - $94,536/annually commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at (858) 646-3100 or via e-mail at [email protected].