CENTER ADMINISTRATOR - CENTER FOR METABOLIC AND LIVER DISEASES in San Diego, California at Sanford Burnham Prebys

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:

The Center Administrator for the Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases serves as the principal administrative resource for the Center and is responsible for independently managing a broad range of administrative, operational, programmatic, and research support activities that advance the Center’s scientific mission. Reporting to the Center Director, the position provides comprehensive support to Center leadership and Principal Investigators and serves as a central point of coordination for Center operations, communications, meetings and events, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.

The Center Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Center operations, programs, and sponsored research activities. As the Center’s primary administrative resource, the position manages competing priorities, develops and maintains effective processes, resolves operational challenges, and supports the successful execution of the Center’s scientific, administrative, and strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative Operations and Executive Support

• Serve as the primary administrative and operational resource for the Center, supporting the Center Director and Principal Investigators in the execution of the Center’s scientific, administrative, and strategic priorities.
• Manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the Center, including scheduling, travel, reimbursements, purchasing, recordkeeping, communications, and other activities that support Center leadership, investigators, and research programs.
• Facilitate coordination among investigators, institutional departments, collaborators, sponsors, and other stakeholders to support the effective administration of Center activities.
• Prepare and maintain correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and other records necessary to support Center operations, planning, and reporting requirements.
• Support Center communications, outreach activities, and the administrative coordination of visiting scientists, collaborators, trainees, advisory board members, and other guests.

Research Administration

• Administer the full lifecycle of sponsored research activities, supporting investigators in the development, submission, management, and closeout of externally funded projects.
• Coordinate research proposal development and submission activities, including budget preparation, sponsor-required documentation, internal review processes, collaborator engagement, and interactions with institutional research administration offices.
• Coordinate post-award administration, including sponsor communications, financial monitoring, reporting, compliance requirements, and other award-related activities in partnership with investigators and institutional support offices.
• Serve as a resource regarding sponsor requirements, proposal processes, and institutional research administration practices.

Center Programs, Meetings, and Events

• Coordinate the planning and execution of Center-sponsored meetings, seminars, scientific programs, retreats, advisory activities, visiting scientist engagements, and other events that support the Center’s mission.
• Partner with Center leadership, investigators, collaborators, and institutional stakeholders to support scientific and strategic initiatives through effective planning, communication, and logistical support.
• Manage event logistics, participant communications, travel arrangements, vendors, meeting materials, and related activities to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support Center reporting and programmatic initiatives through project coordination, documentation management, and administrative support.

Project Coordination and Process Improvement

• Exercise independent judgment in managing multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while ensuring the timely completion of administrative, operational, and research support activities.
• Coordinate activities across stakeholders and functions to support Center operations, programs, sponsored research activities and strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and implement practical solutions that enhance efficiency, service quality, and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain systems, records, and workflows that support planning, compliance, reporting, and continuity of Center operations.
• Anticipate administrative needs, provide guidance on institutional processes, and proactively address operational challenges.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the Center’s scientific, administrative, and operational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, research administration, communications, public administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a research, academic, healthcare, scientific, or nonprofit environment, including supporting sponsored research activities.
• Experience coordinating complex projects, programs, meetings, or events involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or similar research administration certification preferred but not required.

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Strong administrative, organizational, project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and implement practical solutions independently.

• Working knowledge of sponsored research administration, including proposal development, sponsor requirements, award administration, and research compliance practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence, reports, presentations, and other business materials.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate activities across multiple stakeholders, including investigators, institutional offices, sponsors, collaborators, and external partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential, sensitive, or complex matters.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, and follow-through.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse professional, cultural, and organizational backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other business technologies.

• Ability to learn and utilize institutional, sponsor, financial, and department-specific systems and software applications.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: No

Indirect: No

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

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.

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.

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

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is $75,000.00-$90,000.00/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 accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.