Research Development Associate for Strategic Funding

Penn State University • University Park, PA

77d • $61,800 - $89,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join our expanding research development team as a Research Development Associate for Strategic Funding. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that supports cutting-edge research in agriculture, food systems, and environmental science. This position will be filled at the Research Project Manager - Intermediate Professional level. Research development is a growing field focused on enhancing the competitiveness of research proposals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligning research activities with strategic funding opportunities. As part of our team, you will play a key role in enabling faculty success by connecting ideas to resources and helping shape the future of agricultural research. This position reports to the Director of Research Development and Initiatives in the Office for Research and Graduate Education and works closely with the research development team supporting the Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems (TALiS) initiative and the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES). You will collaborate with faculty, research administrators, and external partners to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities that advance the college's broad research mission areas. Successful candidates will work in a supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. If you're passionate about research and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and grow with us.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with project management and/or scientific research (in some capacity).
• Familiarity with university budget policies and procedures is preferred.
• Experience with university-licensed software and Penn State research tools and databases (e.g., Pure, SciVal, SIMS), Microsoft SharePoint, and Plone is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic research development support for complex extramural grant submissions.
• Facilitate team formation, collaboration planning, and proposal development for faculty.
• Manage internal funding competitions (e.g., seed grants), including process design, budget tracking, and award administration.
• Scan for and target strategic funding opportunities aligned with college priorities, including curating and disseminating funding opportunities.
• Serve as a research concierge, connecting faculty with resources, previous awardees, and funding tools.
• Plan and coordinate grantsmanship and professional development activities for faculty and trainees.
• Conduct strategic and competitive intelligence to support research alignment and decision-making.
• Collaborate on internal and external research communications and reporting.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree