lead, center support

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.

PositionSummary:

The Lead, Center Support for the Center for Data Sciences serves as a key strategic and operational leader in the development, submission, and management of complex research grants. Supporting the Scientific Research Office (SRO) and Research Development Office (RDO), this role facilitates pre-award processes including proposal development, budget preparation, and compliance coordination. Post-award responsibilities include progress reporting, regulatory compliance, and oversight of consortium documentation. The position also provides team leadership by supervising administrative staff, ensuring process efficiency, and serving as the primary liaison for external sponsors and institutional leadership. Additionally, this role manages Center events, meetings, and communications to support the research enterprise and administrative excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Award Grant Administration

• Develop strategic proposals aligned with funding announcements in support of SRO and RDO
• Assist SRO with project timelines and checklist development for complex applications
• Assist SRO with detailed budgets and justifications
• Draft administrative portions of proposals
• Proofread, format, and edit complex proposals
• Solicit and verify required documents from consortia/collaborators
• Funding Opportunities Management: In support of SRO and RDO, help to identify funding opportunities that support SBP's research goals
• Use SPIN to identify targeted opportunities for center researchers
• Review Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) for detailed eligibility requirements
• Disseminate targeted funding opportunities based on center focus
• Strategic coordination with PIs on funding opportunity notifications
• Manage submission plans via monthly communications with PI and SRO
• Track status of invited LOIs for full application development
• Coordinate with PIs on Letters of Intent preparation and submission
• Assist PIs and key personnel with NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form and Current and Pending Support via NIH SciENcv

Post-Award Administration and Compliance

• Preparation of grant progress and final reports
• Verification of patent and invention information
• Ensuring compliance with NIH Public Access Policy
• Management of consortium relationships and documentation (agreements, subcontracts)
• Manage study section review dates and coordinate supplemental materials
• Draft submission emails for SRO to issue to Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
• Assist SRO with complex JIT (Just-In-Time) responses including collection of collaborator documents
• Assist SRO and EH&S to manage complex compliance submissions (IACUC, IRB, ACURO, HRPO)
• Lead ongoing communications with PI on project award timelines
• Coordinate with PI and SRO on necessary prior approvals
• Manage collection of collaborator approval documents for multi-PI/institute grants

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise administrative staff within assigned Center; oversee team workload distribution and quality control; resolve conflict resolutions as needed
• Manage Time & Effort Certification for Center administrative staff
• Assist RDO in educating RAPs, admins, staff scientists, and graduate students on basic grant processes
• Provide performance evaluations of Center administrative staff with PI input
• Design and implement general and Center-specific administrative process improvements
• Serve as primary liaison with external sponsors and collaborators
• Serve as point person for Center Director on administrative matters

Event and Meeting Management

• Supervise PI-sponsored meetings/seminars (logistics, food, etc.)
• Lead on-site execution and supervision of major PI-sponsored events from inception to close

Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other related field required
• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• Seven years' experience with research administration, including preparation of grant proposals, funding agency requirements, and budgets required.
• Two years' supervisory/management experience required.

Certifications, Licenses, etc: None

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Possesses strong analytical, time management, organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
• Able to exercise sound judgement
• Able to seamlessly switch from one task to another
• Able to prioritize workload
• Works independently as well as in a team environment
• Be responsible, organized, and a problem solver
• Possesses strong attention to detail
• Effectively interacts with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; Microsoft 2016 or Office 365 is preferred – skill in Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Capacity to learn department-specific software tools as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: Yes

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.

When working on-site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. Frequently exposed to low to moderate noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

If working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. The 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:

Ability to execute those physical activities required to perform the essential functions including, but not limited to, regular sitting and being mobile; continual communicating both in person and on the telephone; regular keyboarding; regular reading of both print and digital material; and all other activities required to perform essential functions.

Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego.

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is $74, $82,000.00/year 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 or via e-mail