Associate Dean for Research Administration & Associate Director for Sponsored Programs

Penn State University • Tallahassee, FL

2d

About The Position

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. The Associate Dean for Research Administration (ADRA) serves as a senior leader within the Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM), providing strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the institution’s research enterprise. This role oversees research compliance, sponsored programs administration, operational excellence, and institutional alignment across PSCOM and the broader Penn State research ecosystem. The ADRA acts as the Institutional Official (IO) for the Animal Care and Use Program, with oversight of the Institutional Biosafety program, and other regulated domains. The role partners closely with college and university leadership, department chairs, center directors, and external stakeholders to advance research growth, integrity, and innovation.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Research Compliance & Institutional Official Duties
• Sponsored Programs Leadership
• Strategic Leadership across the College of Medicine
• Penn State Enterprise-Level Engagement
• Operational Excellence & Team Leadership

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree