The Department of Surgery Contracts and Grants Research operations Manager supports various research activities within the Department of Surgery. This position will project manage the preparation, writing, budget and submissions of research grants and post award grants management in addition to overseeing various research related projects. This role will lead and/or manage a variety of functions including identifying staffing needs, equipment, regulatory requirements, resource management, process improvement, and special projects or initiatives that impact the research initiatives of specific divisions within the Department of Surgery.
The contracts and grants research operations manager must be able to present and communicate with executive leaders, internal and external to the Department on a regular basis. This position must be a strategic thinker, able to analyze various systems and processes, identify gaps and opportunities, and lead efforts to improve them. The contracts and grants operations manager must also be a leader who is able to deal with ambiguity in order to manage and oversee research efforts for specific divisions within the Department of Surgery.
The ideal candidate should have direct, relevant, and recent experience working with physicians, clinical staff, scientists, researchers and/or innovators in the academic, healthcare startup, or innovation industry settings.
Apply By Date 10/16/2025 by 11:59 PM
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Bachelor's degree in related discipline or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Experience performing analytical work, analyzing complex information, performing independent research, presenting complex data in a way that facilitates decision-making and making strategic recommendations.
- Experience preparing financial reports, developing financial projections (long and short term)
- Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of financial and payroll systems (including Decision Support and UC Path), or similarly complex administrative systems.
- Demonstrated experience at exercising administrative judgment and assuming responsibility for decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on people, costs, and/or quality of service within functional area
- Recent training and experience submitting and managing extramural grants.
- Experience developing and managing research grant budgets.
- Expert in all phases and components of project management with the ability to direct programs with organization-wide impact.Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technology solutions in business terms, establish rapport and persuade others. Fosters relationships and effectively collaborates with all levels of a diverse body of leaders, physicians, researchers, administrators, and staff employees.Proven leadership ability. Ability to motivate cross-functional project teams by fostering team spirit, an attitude of cooperation, and a commitment to the organization.Required ability to assess campus, medical center or Office of the President needs for information technology products and design services to meet the needs of the research initiatives.Working knowledge of Institutional Review Board processes.Self-motivated and focused on the goals and deliverables of the organization and is always working to deliver and support these goals.Sophisticated problem-solving skills to effectively define and address daily challenges and deliver assignments in a high pressure constantly changing executive level environment.Highly organized and focused on critical deadlines; ability to review and prioritize workload and makes adjustments as needed.Expert in building credibility, trust, and rapport with stakeholders at all levels, both within and outside of the organization
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in relevant fields or equivalent related program management experience.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
- Prior experience managing a portfolio of external grants and contracts.
- Experience with contracts and grants financial systems such as Cayuse and Effort Reporting. Prior experience with UC Davis financial systems preferred.
- Skill to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set priorities to effect project completion within stated deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
- 50% - Project Management
- 50% - Grants Management
Department Overview
The Department of Surgery encompasses a wide variety of surgical specialties. These include bariatric surgery, burn surgery, colorectal surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, endocrine surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, transplant surgery, trauma, acute care and surgical critical care surgery, vascular surgery, and oncologic surgery. The Department's extensive surgical expertise, in combination with ongoing teaching and research activities, provide ample resources and advanced surgical techniques for patient care.
POSITION INFORMATION
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
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 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.
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
- The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents)
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
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
University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
Oct 07, 2025