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RA Continuing Education

Supporting the training, education, and development of UC San Diego Research Administrators (RAs).

RA Continuing Education Training & Resources

The RA Certificate Program is a comprehensive, multi-level series to equip research administrators with both theoretical insights and practical skills essential for their daily operations. Beginning with fundamental principles, the program progressively delves deeper, providing a thorough exploration of research administration. Participants who fulfill all the requirements for each level will receive certificates of completion.

Be sure to visit the Role-Based Training Center to learn more about the Learning Road Map and other training opportunities and to access the Training Calendar.

Level 1: Basics Pre- and Post-Award + Compliance

Registration:

Register for Level 1: Research Administration Basics Pre- and Post-Award (4 Hours)

Offering Schedule: 

On-Demand in UC Learning

Summary: 

The RA Training Program Level 1: Basics is the first level in a series of online self-paced courses, designed to provide you with both the theory and practical application of concepts you will deal with on a regular basis. It starts with the basic fundamentals and builds upon itself as we take a comprehensive look at research administration that will serve as the foundation for your expertise.

Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate for this training both parts of the training must be completed.

Target Audience:

Entry-level professional with 0-2 years of experience who may need further learning in using professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity and developmental assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision-making.

Topics Include:

  • Sponsorship and Agreements
  • Proposal Development
  • Post-Award Management

Registration:

Register for Level 1: Research Administration Compliance

Offering Schedule: 

On-Demand in UC Learning

Summary: 

This training discusses the main components of research ethics and compliance. All the components of the Sponsored Projects Life Cycle are guided by research ethics and compliance. The ethical implementation of regulations, policies, and procedures to comply with the various requirements of various sponsors, agencies, and institutions. NOTEThis is not a Research Compliance & Integrity Training.

Please Note: To earn the Certificate for this training both parts of the training must be completed.

Level 2: Intermediate Pre-Award + Workshop + Assessment

Registration:

Register for Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Pre-Award (2 Hours)

Offering Schedule: 

On-Demand in UC Learning

Summary: 

The RA Training Program Level 2: Intermediate Pre-Award Certificate Program is the second level in a series of self-paced online courses designed to provide you with both the theory and practical application of concepts you will deal with on a regular basis. It starts with the basic fundamentals and builds upon itself as we take a comprehensive look at research administration that will serve as the foundation for your expertise.

Pre-requisite: Level 1: Research Administration Basics

Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate the Self-Paced training, Workshop, and Assessment must be completed.

Target Audience:

The course is designed for intermediate-level professionals with 2-4 years of experience and/or have completed Level 1. The individual is capable of making simple judgments for typical tasks, may need further learning with complex or unusual tasks, or may need improvements in speed and flexibility.

Topics Include:

  • Research Administration and Agreements
  • Clinical Trials and Research Protocols
  • Personnel and Research Support
  • Financial and Cost Considerations

Registration:

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

Summary:

Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award online training, this advanced instructor-led session provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to apply their expertise in working with the Sponsored Projects Offices (SPO), distinguishing between research and service projects, navigating federal solicitations, proposal submission best practices, and crafting effective proposal budgets. The training will be conducted in an interactive workshop format, allowing participants to engage with instructors and fellow students. Real-world case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises will be integrated to reinforce learning and encourage active participation. This training is designed for individuals who have completed the Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award online training and are seeking to enhance their practical skills in research administration.

Pre-requisite: Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Pre-Award

Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate the Self-Paced training, Workshop, and Assessment must be completed.

Training Schedule:

Name Start Date Time Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

January 21, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

February 18, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

March 18, 2025

9:00 am to 11:00 am

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

April 22, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

May 20, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

June 17, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Register

 


Registration:

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Final Assessment

Summary:

The Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Final Assessment is designed to evaluate your comprehension of key concepts covered in the Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Training and Workshop. Participants who complete this assessment will be awarded a Level 2 Pre-Award Certificate of Completion.

Pre-requisite:

  • Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Pre-Award
  • Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop

Level 2: Intermediate Post-Award + Workshop + Assessment

Registration:

Register for Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Post-Award (2 Hours)

Offering Schedule: 

On-Demand in UC Learning

Summary:

The RA Training Program Level 2: Intermediate Post-Award Certificate Program is the second level in a series of self-paced online courses designed to provide you with both the theory and practical application of concepts you will deal with on a regular basis. It starts with the basic fundamentals and builds upon itself as we take a comprehensive look at research administration that will serve as the foundation for your expertise.

Pre-requisite: Level 1: Research Administration Basics

Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate the Self-Paced training, Workshop, and Assessment must be completed.

Target Audience:

The course is designed for intermediate-level professionals with 2-4 years of experience and/or who have completed Level 1. The individual is capable of making simple judgments for typical tasks, may need further learning with complex or unusual tasks, or may need improvements in speed and flexibility.

Topics Include:

  • Framework of Financial Management
  • Post-Award Management
  • Reporting and Closeout

Registration:

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

Summary:

Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Post-Award online training, this instructor-led session provides participants with the hands-on opportunity to apply their expertise in working with the Sponsored Projects Offices (SPO), best practices when reviewing Notice of Awards (NOAs), completing Financial Expense Reports (FERs), and effective communication and soft skills when working with PIs.

Our interactive workshop structure facilitates active participation, enabling attendees to interact with instructors and peers. Through the analysis of real-world case studies, participants will engage in group discussions and practical exercises, reinforcing learning and fostering dynamic involvement.

Pre-requisite: Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Post-Award

Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate the Self-Paced training, Workshop, and Assessment must be completed.

Training Schedule

Name Start Date Time Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

January 22, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

January 28, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

February 19, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

February 25, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

March 19, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

March 25, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

April 23, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

April 30, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

May 21, 2025

9:00 am to 11:15 am

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

May 28, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

June 18, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

June 25, 2025

1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Register

 

 


Registration:

Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Final Assessment

Summary:

The Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Final Assessment is designed to evaluate your comprehension of key concepts covered in the Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Training and Workshop. Participants who complete this assessment will be awarded a Level 2 Post-Award Certificate of Completion.

Pre-requisite:

  • Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Post-Award
  • Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop

Level 3: Experienced - IN DEVELOPMENT

The RA Training Level 3: Experienced is in development. This course will be designed for experienced RAs and will include analysis of case studies involving policy and complex issues as well as data, reporting, and analytics.

Target audience: RAs with 4+ years of experience

Anticipated Expertise: Proficient - At the end of the training attendees will have their performance guided by deeper experience, be able to figure out the most critical aspects of a situation, see nuances missed by less experienced performers, and exhibit flexible performance.

Thank you for your patience as we redesign the delivery and implementation of this program. A notice will be sent out when training opportunities are added to the calendar. 

Level 4: Advanced - IN DEVELOPMENT

The RA Training Level 4: Advanced is in development. In this advanced-level course, RAs will cover various subjects and case studies on complex and nuanced topics.

Target audience: RAs with 5+ years of experience

Anticipated Expertise: Proficient - At the end of the training attendees will have their performance guided by deeper experience, be able to figure out the most critical aspects of a situation, see nuances missed by less experienced performers, and exhibit flexible performance.

Thank you for your patience as we redesign the delivery and implementation of this program. A notice will be sent out when training opportunities are added to the calendar. 

For more information or questions email researchadmin@ucsd.edu.