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​

Job Summary

The Research Project Manager oversees and advises on Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI) research project operations, including project deliverables and timelines, data management and plans, and financial administration, while also providing guidance to research team members and serving as a point of contact with faculty, sponsors, and leadership. In addition, the role provides comprehensive administrative, programmatic, and research support within the PSCI, including coordinating grant submissions for PSCI faculty and delivering administrative support to the Associate Director for Basic Research and Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Program Leader in support of their responsibilities within PSCI. The position supports core PSCI operations by contributing to Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) activities and assisting with PSCI events.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Grant and Contract Administration

• Review, analyze, and process proposals, contracts, and grants submitted to federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private corporations and foundations
• Manage all components of the grant submission process, including identifying application requirements, coordinating responsibilities with the Principal Investigator (PI), and ensuring timely completion of all materials
• Develop detailed budgets using SIMS and verify that PIs and Co‑Investigators have completed all required trainings and documentation
• Prepare, compile, and route proposal components in CAYUSE to meet submission deadlines
• Researching, evaluating, and advising investigators on research trends and other relevant resources
• Provide guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with government regulations and University research policies, staying current with evolving compliance requirements and regulatory changes working closely with the Office of Research Affairs to ensure compliance with all institutional and sponsor guidelines

Financial and Program Administration

• Manage financial activities for PSCI as it relates to grants and endowment funds with Program Leaders
• Coordinate all PSCI project- and program‑related pilot funding financial operations to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements
• Process reimbursements and expenses through SAP Concur and SIMBA Non‑PO systems, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and timely payment, and provide additional financial processing support for PSCI as needed
• Serve as a liaison to central financial offices including research accounting, payroll, and department financial officers; prepare financial and statistical reports for Principal Investigators and divisional/departmental leadership
• Analyze financial data and recommend spending actions based on program needs and budget status

Administrative Support for PSCI Leadership

• Provide comprehensive administrative coordination to the Associate Director for Basic Research and Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Program Leader in support of their responsibilities within PSCI
• Manage the Associate Director’s calendar and schedule for PSCI related activities, ensuring efficient prioritization and alignment of commitments
• Assist with drafting, editing, preparing, and submitting PSCI related reports and documentation to ensure accuracy and timely completion of all deadlines
• Oversee and advise on research projects and investigative studies from initiation through completion, including data collection and management plans, technical approaches, budget management, and identification of funding opportunities
• Design project workflow processes and infrastructure, delegating, prioritizing, and reviewing research tasks to achieve project objectives and optimize outcomes

Cancer Center and Institutional Initiatives

• Collaborate with team and leadership to build strategic partnerships among members, strengthen research initiatives and projects, and support financial planning
• Assist with meetings and preparation of materials for the PSCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) application, reviewing guidelines, regulations, and procedures to ensure full compliance
• Maintain a working knowledge of PSCI programs and contribute to planning and preparation for External Advisory Board meetings.

Professional Development and Systems Expertise

• Maintain up to date technical skills by attending relevant classes, workshops, and seminars (e.g., SIMS, REDCap, Cayuse, eRA Commons, Zoom, Microsoft Office, SIMBA, SAP Concur, PSU Buy) and stay informed about new technologies that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of research administration, grant development, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a complex research environment
• Financial management and analytical skills, including budget development and monitoring
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership at multiple levels
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency with research and financial management systems and standard office software

Preferred Experience

• Experience in academic medicine, cancer research, or research‑intensive higher education, including coordination of meetings, events, and cross-functional initiatives
• Grant proposal development and post-award financial management, including support for training or education grants
• Familiarity with federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH/NCI) and Cancer Center Support Grant processes

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant 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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.

 

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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