Research Operations Specialist - PSCI

Penn State University•Tallahassee, FL

30d•$65,508 - $94,980•Onsite

About The Position

The Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a Research Operations Specialist in the Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI) in Hershey, PA. This role provides administration, planning, and research operational support across multiple functions within PSCI, including direct support to the PSCI Director. The position serves as the marketing and communications lead for PSCI Administration and provides programmatic assistance to the Associate Director for Population Sciences / Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement and Cancer Control Program. This role acts as a primary liaison between PSCI, Penn State University (PSU), Penn State College of Medicine (COM), Penn State Health (PSH), Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (MSHMC), and external leadership and consultants. Responsibilities include managing and resolving inquiries, ensuring compliance with unit and University policies and procedures, leading special projects (including confidential or time-sensitive ones), supporting core PSCI operations by contributing to Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) activities, and assisting with PSCI events. This position is funded for one year, with continuation dependent on university need, performance, and/or funding availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Manage the Director’s calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements, and prioritizing conflicting commitments.
Handle incoming communication, draft and edit correspondence on behalf of the Director.
Coordinate meetings and briefings, including agenda preparation, attendance tracking, meeting minutes, and logistical arrangements.
Arrange domestic and international travel for the Director and accompanying staff.
Maintain organized records and files, both physical and digital, related to the Director’s activities.
Assist in the planning and execution of official events, ceremonies, and functions involving the Director.
Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking access to the Director.
Handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
Manage project websites, coordinate dissemination of research activities, and facilitate effective communication of research outcomes.
Lead the coordination and production of the PSCI website and newsletter, including developing timelines and content plans.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership to solicit, gather, and curate relevant content for communications.
Oversee writing, editing, and formatting of communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to PSCI standards.
Maintain distribution lists and oversee dissemination through appropriate channels.
Participate in data collection, data management, and the preparation of reports, presentations, and materials for leadership, external organizations, funding agencies, and the broader research community.
Provide comprehensive administrative coordination to the Associate Director for Population Sciences Cancer Control Program.
Manage complex scheduling across dual-campus locations and coordinate meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
Plan and organize conferences, seminars, and retreats.
Ensure fiscal deadlines are met and process financial transactions in multiple university accounting systems.
Assist in the coordination of HR activities for COM PSCI labs, including recruitment, reappointments, and visa processes.
Serve as a key liaison between lab leadership and HR partners to address personnel needs.
Monitor workflows to ensure timely, accurate processing of requests and maintain compliance with university policies.