Research Project Manager - PSCI

Penn State University•Tallahassee, FL

70d•$61,800 - $89,600•Onsite

About The Position

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. In addition, the role provides comprehensive administrative, programmatic, and research support within the PSCI, including coordinating grant submissions for PSCI faculty and delivering administrative support to the Associate Director for Basic Research and Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Program Leader in support of their responsibilities within PSCI. The position supports core PSCI operations by contributing to Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) activities and assisting with PSCI events.

Requirements

Master's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience
Strong knowledge of research administration, grant development, and compliance requirements
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a complex research environment
Financial management and analytical skills, including budget development and monitoring
Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership at multiple levels
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and regulatory compliance
Proficiency with research and financial management systems and standard office software
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Experience in academic medicine, cancer research, or research‑intensive higher education, including coordination of meetings, events, and cross-functional initiatives
Grant proposal development and post-award financial management, including support for training or education grants
Familiarity with federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH/NCI) and Cancer Center Support Grant processes

Responsibilities

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.
Develop detailed budgets using SIMS and verify that PIs and Co‑Investigators have completed all required trainings and documentation.
Prepare, compile, and route proposal components in CAYUSE to meet submission deadlines.
Researching, evaluating, and advising investigators on research trends and other relevant resources.
Provide guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with government regulations and University research policies, staying current with evolving compliance requirements and regulatory changes working closely with the Office of Research Affairs to ensure compliance with all institutional and sponsor guidelines.
Manage financial activities for PSCI as it relates to grants and endowment funds with Program Leaders.
Coordinate 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.
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.
Assist with 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.
Collaborate with team and leadership to build strategic partnerships among members, strengthen research initiatives and projects, and support financial planning.
Assist with 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.
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.