Brahman Gnad
Strategic Research Operations Leader | Managing $39.5M+ Portfolio across SIO & UCSD Health | CRA, CPRA, CFRA | Grant Strategy & Federal Compliance
- Role
- Chief Operating Officer at Cigarette Butt Pollution Project
- Location
- San Diego, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Brahman Gnad
I build the operational frameworks that allow world-class research to scale.With over 20 years of expertise in research administration, I specialize in the \"business of science\"—transforming complex funding requirements into streamlined, audit-ready operations. I currently manage the administrative lifecycle for a $50M+ cross-disciplinary portfolio spanning Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UCSD Pediatrics.My role is to serve as the strategic operational partner to Principal Investigators. While they lead the scientific engine, I engineer the systems—budgeting, long-range forecasting (8-10 year cycles), and federal compliance—that keep that engine running without friction.What I bring to the table:Portfolio Stewardship: Navigating high-stakes NIH, NSF, and NOAA awards to ensure 100% compliance and operational continuity.Cross-Functional Integration: Harmonizing complex administrative needs between diverse university departments and external sponsors.Critical Analysis: Applying a background in Philosophy to solve intricate regulatory challenges with ethical rigor and clear-headed logic.I believe that the best research is supported by the best systems. I am dedicated to providing the operational clarity that turns ambitious scientific visions into reality.I believe that great science requires great systems. I am passionate about building the structures that turn ambitious research goals into reality.
Experience
Chief Operating Officer
Cigarette Butt Pollution Project
Apr 2018 — Present · San Diego, CA, US
Oversees operations to ensure CBPP’s mission of eliminating cigarette butt waste is effectively implemented. • Reports to CEO Thomas Novotny and aligns operational activities with CBPP’s strategic objectives. • Manages the preparation and submission of grant proposals to secure funding for CBPP’s initiatives. • Handles financial operations, including budgeting, banking, and financial reporting, to support program sustainability. • Oversees annual tax filings and ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations.
Education
UC San Diego Extended Studies
Accounting and Business/Management
Moorpark College
Associate of Arts, General Education
UC San Diego
B.A., Philosophy
1998 — 2000
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