UC Davis Research Administrators of the Future Program (RAOTF)

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:

Application Deadline

May 28, 2024

Download the Application

Contact info

RAOTF@ucdavis.edu

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.