Research Project Management

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

This position provides project, operational, and administrative leadership for the Department of Medicine's clinical and translational research enterprise. This role develops and coordinates a shared clinical research support model that expands investigators' ability to initiate, activate, and sustain clinical and translational research across Department divisions.

The position is designed to create a Department-level infrastructure  to support study start-up, IRB and regulatory navigation, standardized workflows, coordinator utilization oversight, investigator intake, and connection to institutional research resources.

The Manager of Research Project Management provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a team of research professionals supporting complex research programs, centers, and initiatives; oversees the planning, delivery, governance, and continuous improvement of research project management services while ensuring projects are executed with scientific rigor, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and effective stewardship of financial and organizational resources; partners with Principal Investigators, faculty, research leadership, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to establish strategic priorities, optimize project management practices, and advance the University's research mission; leads organizational planning, workforce development, process improvement, and resource allocation to strengthen research capabilities and achieve long-term research objectives.

This profile is intended for managers responsible for leading research project management functions supporting multiple research programs, departments, institutes, or centers. Positions assigned to this profile are accountable for personnel leadership, operational management, strategic planning, and the overall effectiveness of research project management services.

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a team of Research Project Managers and related staff; oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and professional development
• Establish performance expectations, monitor workload distribution, evaluate operational effectiveness, and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence
• Direct the delivery of research project management services across multiple research programs, centers, institutes, or portfolios to ensure projects are completed on schedule, within scope and budget, and in accordance with sponsor and institutional requirements
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve standardized project management methodologies, governance frameworks, operating procedures, workflows, tools, templates, and reporting practices to enhance consistency, efficiency, and research outcomes
• Oversee research project infrastructure, resource planning, capacity management, and staff assignments to effectively balance competing priorities and organizational objectives
• Evaluate research methodologies, project execution strategies, data management plans, operational processes, and project performance metrics; recommend improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, scientific integrity, and organizational effectiveness
• Serve as the primary liaison with Principal Investigators, faculty, leadership, sponsors, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, and external collaborators; facilitate multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research initiatives and strategic partnerships
• Direct governance activities, monitor project portfolios, evaluate risks, resolve escalated operational issues, and ensure accountability for project milestones, deliverables, and sponsor commitments
• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University regulations, policies, and ethical standards governing research, including human subjects, animal care, biosafety, export controls, data security, responsible conduct of research, and other applicable requirements
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of project reporting processes; ensure accurate operational, financial, compliance, and performance reporting for investigators, sponsors, and institutional leadership
• Develop and administer departmental and project management operating budgets; oversee financial planning, resource allocation, expenditures, staffing forecasts, and financial reporting; advise leadership regarding funding strategies and resource utilization
• Collaborate with research accounting, sponsored programs, finance, payroll, compliance, and administrative partners to ensure effective financial and operational management of research activities
• Lead strategic initiatives and special projects that improve research operations, expand organizational capabilities, strengthen project management practices, and enhance institutional research competitiveness
• Partner with research leadership to develop strategic plans, establish long-term organizational priorities, identify opportunities for program growth, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and support the expansion of the University's research portfolio
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, regulations, and best practices in research administration and project management; implement innovative approaches that improve organizational performance and research effectiveness
• Represent the research organization on institutional committees, governance groups, and cross-functional initiatives related to research operations, project management, and strategic planning

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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