Research Program Administrator (Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics)

The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is seeking to hire a Research Program Administrator to join our Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics. This is a multi-site international research program focused on the genetics of major psychiatric and neurological disorders and advancing our understanding of the development, function, and degeneration of the central nervous systems. You will play a key role in coordinating research operations and supporting complex multidisciplinary projects involving domestic and international collaborators. Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate research administration activities and support compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with contract, award agreements, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), IRB submissions, and other research-related documentation
• Support proposal preparation and submission activities by coordinating with investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and UCLA administrative offices
• Track grant deadlines, proposal requirements, and submission material to ensure timely and accurate completion
• Coordinate research logistics, including sample collection, processing, shipping, and data distribution
• Maintain inventories of research supplies and equipment
• Assist financial reconciliation and preparation of research-related reports
• Support meetings, conferences, collaborator visits, and other program events
• Contribute to the development of reports, presentations, communications, websites, and other project deliverables
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and day-to-day coordination of program activities that advance the Center's research mission

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Life sciences, Public Health, Business Administration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 2- 4 years of experience providing program, project, research administration, or research operations support in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate activities across diverse stakeholders, and meet competing deadlines
• Strong ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, faculty, staff, sponsors, and external partners
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information, identify issues, and recommend practical solutions
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy while managing complex administrative and research-related processes
• Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn and apply new systems, policies, procedures, and regulations
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed, to support the program

Preferred:

• Experience supporting research administration activities, including grants, contracts, IRB submissions, compliance requirements, or sponsor-funded research projects
• Experience coordinating multi-site, multidisciplinary, or international research programs
• Knowledge of UCLA research administration processes and systems
• Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience with financial reconciliation, reporting, and budget tracking
• Experience working with research agreements such as MTAs, DUAs, subawards, or other research-related contracts