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 Overview

Play a key role at the center of cutting-edge research. As a 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, the Sponsored Research Administrator (SRA) is responsible for supporting pre-award and non-financial post award administration of sponsored projects. This role works in close partnership with faculty and internal stakeholders to ensure proposals and awards are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time. The SRA contributes to the effective coordination and management of sponsored funding by applying working knowledge of sponsor requirements and institutional policies, while providing consistent and responsive support throughout the lifecycle of the award.

Duties and Responsibilities

Pre Award:

• Assist faculty in the preparation and submission of proposals, including budget development and review of supporting documentation.
• Ensure all proposal components comply with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
• Coordinate internal routing and approvals across departments and central offices.
• Maintain accurate proposal and submission records in systems such as InfoEd.
• Communicate requirements, timelines, and outstanding items to faculty and staff.
• Apply working knowledge of sponsor regulations and escalate issues as appropriate.

Post Award (Non-Financial):

• Review award terms and conditions and identify items requiring follow up or escalation.
• Support Just in Time requests, progress reports, and closeout activities.
• Coordinate administrative actions including no cost extensions, prior approvals, and rebudgeting.
• Prepare and process subawards and assist with monitoring activities.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty, Research Accounting, and sponsors to support administrative activities.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements throughout the lifecycle of the award.

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: 

• One (1) or more years of experience in sponsored research administration or related environment.
• Experience with federal and non-federal sponsors such as NIH, DoD, and foundations.
• Familiarity 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

• Working knowledge of federal sponsor regulations and institutional policies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and resolve routine issues and escalate appropriately.
• Proficiency with research administration systems and standard office applications.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline driven environment.

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 BenefitHub, FunEx, and TicketsAtWork.

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 Southern California.

Compensation: The expected hiring rate for this position is $65,447 - $81,809/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