AWARD SPECIALIST

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Award Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Award Specialist plays a key role in supporting the Office of Sponsored Programs by working with the Award Operations Manager to advance the data integrity, reporting, and post-award management of the institution's scientific efforts. Key responsibilities include managing shared inbox communications, establishing and maintaining award records, and ensuring data accuracy across the institute's electronic research administration (eRA) system (Streamlyne) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (Workday). This position requires strong analytical and organizational skills to interpret award documentation, maintain data integrity across systems, collaborate with scientific and administrative teams, and support reporting and financial oversight of sponsored programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Review sponsor award documents and notices of award for funding details and compliance requirements; help ensure accurate application of sponsor regulations and institutional policies.
• Create and maintain award records, ensuring complete documentation, accurate data entry, and adherence to internal recordkeeping standards.
• Research and analyze historical award budgets and financial data to verify accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and update records as needed.
• Review and validate sponsored programs award data across multiple systems to ensure consistency, completeness, and data integrity throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain internal project budget templates in collaboration with Post-Award Financial Analysts; support the setup, monitoring, and adjustment of project budgets to ensure timely and accurate entry into institutional ERP and research administration systems.
• Assist with electronic research administration (eRA) and ERP system processes, including data entry, record maintenance, and support for system-related workflows.
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports to support sponsored programs administration, operational needs, and management decision-making.
• Perform data analysis, special projects, and reporting tasks to support monitoring of award activity, budget management, and process improvement initiatives; identify discrepancies or trends and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of sponsor regulations and institutional policies governing sponsored research, ensuring compliance with federal and non-federal funding requirements.
• Serve as primary point of contact for the shared grants inbox, managing incoming sponsor communications, notices of award, and general inquiries; triage requests, respond as appropriate, and route communications to the correct internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with Pre-Award, Post-Award, and Central Finance Sponsored Programs teams to support efficient award management, data accuracy, and achievement of organizational goals.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public health or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience preferred.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in research administration, grants management, database management, or data analytics preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant accounting principles and compliance requirements for sponsored research funding agencies, including federal and non-federal sponsors.
• Experience working with the NIH and/or other federal sponsors strongly preferred, including familiarity with pre-award and/or post-award processes and the lifecycle of grant application and award management.
• Experience working with large ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or eRA (Electronic Research Administration) systems preferred. Experience with Workday, Streamlyne, or similar research administration systems is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to review, analyze, and interpret complex information, apply critical thinking, and exercise sound judgment when resolving issues related to sponsored awards and administrative processes.
• Ability to manage and triage shared communications, respond to inquiries, and coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate resolution.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to review documentation, validate data, and ensure accuracy and consistency across multiple systems and records, including award setup and maintenance.
• Experience with reporting, data analysis, and data quality review, including the ability to extract, interpret, and summarize information from administrative systems to support operational and compliance needs.
• Effective analytical, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel) for reporting, spreadsheet management, and data analysis, as well as the ability to learn new systems and applications quickly.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $32.50 to $37.40/hourly, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of TSRI, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of TSRI staff.

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.