APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, 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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Research Operations Manager provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a high-impact, multidisciplinary research institute; is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, financial health, compliance, infrastructure, and long-term planning of the institute; ensures that research activities align with the university’s mission; supports faculty and research staff; drives innovation and collaboration across academic and external partners.
Oversee the comprehensive administration of the institute’s operations, including strategic planning, resource management, and organizational development
Lead the execution of the institute’s mission and vision by aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals
Design and implement new operational initiatives to enhance research productivity, efficiency, and impact; identify, propose, and implement continuous process improvements in administrative systems, workflows, and service delivery
Manage large-scale, cross-functional projects across, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder coordination, and outcome evaluation
Monitor the progress of strategic initiatives and research programs, using data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive evidence-based improvements
Promote innovation by identifying commercialization opportunities, accelerating translational research, and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration
Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support research excellence, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
Ensure adherence to institutional, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety standards, IRB, IACUC, and export control requirements (if applicable)
Collaborate with Human Resources to oversee staffing strategies, workforce planning, performance management, and professional development
Supervise administrative and operational staff; provide leadership, mentorship, and training to ensure high team performance; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Partner with the unit’s Strategic Finance Partner to develop and manage budgets, including grants, contracts, gifts, and operational funds
Provide oversight and consultation in the areas of award administration, salary allocation, purchasing, investments, and financial reporting; ensure alignment with institutional policies and sponsor requirements
Lead efforts in financial forecasting, risk assessment, and strategic investment planning
Oversee procurement operations, including developing and evaluating RFPs, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and purchasing approvals
Coordinate space planning, infrastructure upgrades, and facilities maintenance in collaboration with the Office of Physical Plant and external contractors
Collaborate with the IT Strategic Partner on information technology requirements and services to support advanced research activities
Serve as a key liaison between the institute and faculty, internal departments, other research centers, and external stakeholders, including industry and government partners
Cultivate partnerships to expand the institute’s research portfolio, identify new funding opportunities, and enhance the visibility of the institute’s work
Support communications and outreach efforts, including conferences, symposia, marketing, and communications
Work with senior leadership to benchmark operational performance; develop meaningful metrics and KPIs to evaluate programmatic success
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree
10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $173,844.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.