Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it's a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges. We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health. Together, we translate science into health. The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Position Summary:
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 AwardLead 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or related field.
Experience:- 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.
- Certifications, Licenses, etc: None required. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.
- Other Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
- 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct: None
Indirect: None
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role is primarily a remote position. When working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. This role requires the use of standard home office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. As you may be exposed to minimal noise and temperature variations depending on your home setup, it's important to maintain a workspace that supports productivity and well-being. Reliable internet connectivity and a suitable workstation are essential to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.
Physical Requirements:
The basic physical requirements of this role are: Sitting, Standing and Walking: Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hours) walk to during their work house, but will be sitting or standing for extended periods (6 – 8 hours) daily. Bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling or twisting: The capability to perform these activities is generally not required.
Lifting and Carrying: The capability to lift and carry equipment and materials is generally not required. Manual Dexterity: Simple grasping with their hand, reaching above their shoulder and fine manipulation of their hands is generally not required.
Repetitive Motions: The repetitive use of hands daily, usually for keyboarding/typing.
Visual Acuity: Ability to view paperwork and computer monitors as virtually all work will be on paper or online.
Benefits & Perks:
We offer a highly competitive, thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and overall well-being—both at work and beyond. Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a standout 403(b) retirement plan featuring a generous employer match of $2 for every $1 you contribute, up to 10% of your salary, helping you build your future faster. You'll also benefit from added peace of mind with identity theft protection, plus access to exclusive savings and experiences through employee discount programs like Benefit Hub, FunEx, and Tickets AtWork. Employees also enjoy free parking with access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations, along with 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. 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 benefits@sbpdiscovery.org
