Research Project Manager - PSCI

About the role

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.

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.
  • Prepare, compile, and route proposal components in CAYUSE to meet submission deadlines.
  • Research, evaluate, and advise investigators on research trends and other relevant resources.
• Financial and Program Administration
  • Manage financial activities for PSCI as it relates to grants and endowment funds with Program Leaders.
  • Cook 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.
  • Aid in 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.
  • Aid in 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.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

Benefits

• Salary Range: $65,508.00 - $94,980.00
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for eligible spouses and children.

Pay

• $65,508.00 - $94,980.00

Schedule

• Full-time

Application Instructions

To apply, 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.