Research Administration Training Program
Supporting the training, education, and development of UC San Diego Research Administrators (RAs).
Welcome to Research Administration Training. We help you acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for your job success as well as provide research administration professional development opportunities to complement the training provided by your department. Offerings include knowledge and skills-based training for research administrators, fund managers, and others who support sponsored research and include onboarding for new hires, a multi-level professional development program, and targeted skills training on the tools and systems used.
You can locate our various Kuali Research Systems Trainings and Resources on our blink page
RA Training For New Hires
Level 0: Research Administration Orientation for New Hires
Registration:
Register for Level 0: Research Administration Orientation for New Hires (45 Minutes)
Offering Schedule:
On Demand in UC Learning
Summary:
In this online self paced new hire orientation, you will gain a basic understanding of the organizational structure of the UC system and UC San Diego, and what working within sponsored research at a large public university entails. You will identify how your role contributes to your team, department, division and the overall mission of UC San Diego. You will also define vernacular and identify tools unique to the UC San Diego Sponsored Projects Life Cycle.
Target Audience:
New RAs (either to the job or the university) who have been in research administration for less than one year.
Topics Include:
- The UC System and Sponsored Research
- Sponsored Project Lifecycle and Management
- Systems, Tools, and Other Resources
Research Administration Bootcamp for New Hires
Registration:
Register for the Research Administration Bootcamp (Instructor-Led)
Summary:
This is a five (5) day instructor-led Course (Zoom) designed to be an onboarding for brand new fund managers. You will learn about various stages of the Sponsored Project lifecycle. Prerequisite: We highly recommend taking the Level 0: Research Administration Orientation for New Hires prior to attending Bootcamp. This self-paced training introduces you to the University of California System, UC San Diego, your role as a researcher within that landscape, and common vocabulary and tools you will encounter in the RA Training Bootcamp classes.
Training Schedule:
| Name | Start Date | End date | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Administration Bootcamp: April 2024 | 4/8/2024 9:00 AM PDT | 4/12/2024 3:00 PM PDT | Register |
| Research Administration Bootcamp: May 2024 | 5/13/2024 9:00 AM PDT | 5/17/2024 3:00 PM PDT | Register |
| Research Administration Bootcamp: June 2024 | 6/10/2024 9:00 AM PDT | 6/14/2024 3:00 PM PDT | Register |
Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation
Registration:
Register for Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation (Instructor-Led)
Summary:
Welcome to our How to Read a Solicitation Training Course! Throughout this instructor lead training, participants will become proficient in identifying different types of solicitations, including government, nonprofit, and for-profit. They will learn to interpret key information within solicitations, addressing essential questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how. Through practical exercises, participants will test their knowledge by reviewing real-world solicitations, ensuring they are equipped to navigate and engage with solicitations confidently. Join us as we explore the intricacies of solicitations and empower you to succeed in your endeavors.
Training Schedule:
| Name | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation | 4/25/2024 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register |
| Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation | 5/23/2024 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register |
| Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation | 6/27/2024 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register |
| Research Administration: How to Read a Solicitation | 7/23/2024 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register |
Research Administration: Budget Basics
Registration:
Register for Research Administration: Budget Basics (Instructor-Led)
Summary:
Welcome to the Budget Basics instructor lead training on direct and indirect costs in proposal budgeting, as outlined by Uniform Guidance. In this course, participants will learn to distinguish between these cost types, equipping them to create accurate proposal budgets. Whether you're new to budgeting or seeking to refine your skills, join us to gain the essential knowledge for effective budget development in grant proposals.
Training Schedule:
| Name | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Administration: Budget Basics | 5/2/2024 |
9:00 AM -11:00 AM |
Register |
| Research Administration: Budget Basics | 6/6/2024 | 9:00 AM -11:00 AM | Register |
| Research Administration: Budget Basics | 7/9/2024 | 9:00 AM -11:00 AM | Register |
RA Certificate Program
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.
Level 1: Research Administration 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. NOTE: This is not a Research Compliance & Integrity Training.
Please Note: In order to earn the Certificate for this training both parts of the training must be completed.
Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Pre-Award + Workshop
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 for this training both parts of the training 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 for this training both parts of the training must be completed.
Training Schedule:
| Name | Start Date | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop | 4/23/2024 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT | Register |
| Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop | 5/8/2024 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT | Register |
| Level 2: Research Administration Pre-Award Workshop | 5/22/2024 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT | Register |
Level 2: Research Administration Intermediate Post-Award + Workshop
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 for this training both parts of the training 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 for this training both parts of the training must be completed.
Training Schedule:
| Name | Start Date | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop | 4/22/2024 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM PDT | Register |
| Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop | 5/9/2024 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM PDT | Register |
| Level 2: Research Administration Post-Award Workshop | 5/20/2024 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM PDT | Register |
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.