Associate Dean for Research Administration & Associate Director for Sponsored Programs

About the role

Penn State College of Medicine invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Research Administration and Associate Director for Sponsored Programs, which is a full-time non-tenured faculty position.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the research oversight leader, serving on various committees and regulatory bodies as required (e.g., IACUC).
• Provide assurance of compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing biomedical research.
• Oversee compliance operations, education, and monitoring programs supporting investigators and research staff.
• Liaise with federal agencies and accreditors regarding compliance status, reporting, and institutional communications.
• Lead and oversee sponsored programs administration functions, including pre-award grants administration, contracting, and post-award integrations with grant management accounting.
• Develop, refine, and implement procedures that support efficient proposal development, award negotiation, and research administration workflows.
• Strengthen infrastructure for grant support, compliance review, financial stewardship, and reporting.
• Partner with department and central offices to support research growth, improve faculty experience, and enhance service delivery.
• Advise the Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Dean’s Office, and other senior leaders on strategy, risks, opportunities, and operational improvements related to research administration and federal funding practices.
• Lead initiatives that advance PSCOM’s research strategic plan, infrastructure growth, and institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with center and institute leadership to support complex research programs, strategic proposals, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Drive process improvement, technology adoption, and analytics that enhance transparency, quality, and decision-making in the research enterprise.
• Represent PSCOM within Penn State’s broader research administration community, ensuring alignment of policy, compliance, systems, and strategic initiatives across campuses.
• Contribute to university-wide committees focused on compliance, research operations, sponsored programs, and strategic planning.
• Foster strong partnerships that enable systemwide collaboration, standardization, and shared service innovation.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to research administration directors, managers, and professional staff.
• Ensure organizational structures, staffing, and professional development resources support a high-performing research administrative ecosystem.
• Develop and manage budgets for research administration units, ensuring efficient stewardship of institutional resources.
• Work closely with other Associate Deans to advance a culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (PhD, MD, JD) in a related field (e.g., research administration, business, public health, biomedical sciences) or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in research administration, compliance oversight, and/or sponsored programs at an academic medical center or research-intensive institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects, animal research, biosafety, and financial stewardship.
• Proven ability to lead complex teams, manage institutional risk, and drive strategic initiatives.
• Advanced certification (e.g., CRA, CPRA, CIP).
• Experience serving as or supporting an Institutional Official.
• Deep familiarity with academic health center research environments and clinical research operations.
• Experience implementing enterprise-level administrative systems or research management technologies.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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.