Contract and Financial Administrator (RSCH ADM 3 RP)

Under general supervision, responsible for the fiscal control, accounting and reporting of all levels of contracts and grants awarded; for budget preparation, review, fiscal analysis, effort reporting regulatory research compliance oversight. Provide extramural budget forecasting Serve as a financial analyst, compliance officer and resource specialist to the CAO and Chairs on University policy and procedure and departmental business processes. Works in a highly independent capacity as 1 of 3 financial support staff. Works in a relatively independent capacity with the contracts and grants team, Dean's Office, on dealing with complex proposals and funding sources.
Gather, manage and analyze financial data from a variety of revenue streams, including state general funds, state and federal grants, private grants, gifts, and other funding sources. Provide highly complex financial and regulatory administration reporting and analysis of cross-disciplinary extramural and intramural research proposals and awards. Independently develop and manage pre-and post-award processes and analysis for multi-investigator, multi-site, and multi-year research projects. Serve as a liaison and department representative to the Office of Research, Accounting and Financial Services, Business Contracts, Extramural Accounting, and external agencies including federal, state, and private sponsoring agencies as prime or sub-contracted awardee in coordination with Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) and the Office of Research (OR).

Apply By Date: May 19, 2026

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and training. Completed Research Administration Certification (RAC) or ability to obtain within two years from date of appointment.
• Experience in financial analysis, forecasting and strategic planning to analyze quantitative aspects of fiscal and budgetary issues and with compiling financial data and reports.
• Experience providing leadership and facilitating decision-making to solve problems.
• Experience in federal, state, and private grant budget preparation based on narrative methodological research plans and designs, analysis, and forecasting to control complex budgets as well as with financial reporting policies.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively communicate and interact with Dean's Offices, campus departments, Principal Investigators, CAO, staff, and students to ensure compliance with UCD policy and procedures.
• Organizational skills to work with changing priorities and demanding workload to independently manage and monitor multiple accounts simultaneously and to meet multiple and variable priorities and deadlines.
• Critical thinking and problem- solving skills to analyze complex data and develop meaningful solutions to specific problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UC Davis accounting, purchasing, entertainment, travel, and business management practices.
• Knowledge of UC Davis hiring/employment practices within an academic department.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, cost allocation methods, and accounting policies and procedures in an academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - Financial Planning, Budgetary Analysis and Forecasting
• 25% - Organization, Management and Account Analysis
• 10% - Policy Compliance

Department Overview

The Department of Chemical Engineering & the Department of Materials Science and Engineering are two of eight academic departments in the College of Engineering. Departments provide instruction and research in five specialty areas of engineering. Collectively there are 36 faculty, 16 emeriti, 7 adjunct professors, and 11 administrative staff. The departments provide education to approximately 700 undergraduates and 150 graduate programs in the college with approximately 700 undergraduates and 150 graduate enrolled students. Annual department budgets including contracts and grants, gifts and endowments, is approximately $12 million, with 400+ active Research activity is diverse and allows the opportunity for collaboration across the campus, international labs and the world.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600.00 - $124,200.00/year
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: RSCH ADM 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005264
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• 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
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 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. Occasionally work outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet workload deadlines or operational 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

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