A training and development program supporting research administrators of the future.
About the Program
The Research Administrators of the Future (RAOTF) program is intended to cultivate a diverse pool of highly talented and motivated staff interested in pursuing Research Admin positions on campus. The program supports the campus commitment to develop and retain a distinguished and diverse staff and is intended to increase participants’ sense of community and commitment to UC Davis.
What does a Research Administrator do?
Research Administrators aid researchers by handling grant and contract budgets, assisting with proposal submissions, and managing awarded funds. They ensure compliance with funding agencies, track expenses, prepare financial reports, and reconcile accounts. Additionally, they act as liaisons between researchers, funding agencies, institutional departments, and external stakeholders to enhance communication and collaboration.
Learning Objectives
Participants will gain hands-on experience in financial systems managing actual research grants and awards.
Through the program sessions participants will:
- Examine the grant submission process
- Prepare and submit a small to medium proposal
- Prepare budgets for grants
- Navigate relevant UC systems
- Establish and manage new contract and grant awards
- Process financial transactions
Program Outcomes
As a result of participating in the program, alumni will:
- Explore the career path of Research Administrator and its impact on the research mission of the University
- Gain foundational knowledge in research administration to strengthen their candidacy for Research Admin 2 positions (Salary Grade: 20 CT)
- Grow your network and knowledge of resources across campus
Time Commitment
Program participation requires 35 hours of professional development leave over the 6-month program. Note that each employee has professional development release time afforded by their bargaining unit contract or policy.
Program Dates
Attendance and participation at each session is required, as there are no makeup sessions.*
Sessions will be held from 9:30-12:00 as follows**:
• September 10, 2024
• September 24, 2024
• October 8, 2024
• October 22, 2024
• November 5, 2024
• November 19, 2024
• December 3, 2024
• December 17, 2024
• January 7, 2025
• January 21, 2025
• February 4, 2024
• February 18, 2025
• March 4, 2025
• March 18, 2025
*Participants who miss two sessions will be dropped from the program.
**Dates may be subject to change.
Participant Eligibility
UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Completed probation
- Career/Contract status
- Supervisor support
- Basic understanding of Aggie Enterprise
- Completion of the following RAC eCourses:
Application Deadline
May 28, 2024
Contact info
FAQs
- Will my home department be compensated for my release time?
- There is no cost to participate in the program, and there is no compensation for departments with participants.
- Will I receive a stipend or other monetary incentive to participate?
- There is no financial incentive available to participants in this program.
- Can represented positions participate, and if so, should I notify my union?
- Yes, represented positions can participate in this training program. It is not required that you notify your union.
- Am I guaranteed a research admin position if I'm an alumni of the program?
- There is no guarantee of employment upon completion of this program. However, participants will have the opportunity to learn the skills of the research administration position, be guided by current UC Davis research administrators, and be given the opportunity to network.