Pennsylvania State University
Post-Award Research Administrator
🇺🇸 Remote - US
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $51K - $82K
💻 Other
🗓️ October 28th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Post-Award Research Administrator. This role involves managing and administering sponsored research programs, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor guidelines, preparing budget and financial reports, and providing training and support for faculty and staff in research administration.
Highlights
- Manage sponsored programs and review award contracts for faculty, department, and college/unit.
- Liaise with Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research Protection, and other central units for award management.
- Prepare requests and documentation for fund numbers, cost centers, budgets, adjustments, and account close-outs.
- Review expenditures for compliance with sponsor terms and university policies.
- Run financial reports, manage subawards, and submit monthly/quarterly financial reports.
- Assist in labor distribution tasks and effort confirmation as needed.
- Participate in meetings to address export control, publication restrictions, and other risks.
- Use financial and research administration systems such as SIMBA, SIMS, MS Office Suite, and sponsor-specific submission platforms.
- Requires a Bachelor's degree with 1+ years (Intermediate) or 3+ years (Advanced) of relevant experience; certifications are not required but PSU ACOR ACES program completion is preferred.
- Salary range is $51,000 to $81,500 with comprehensive benefits including medical, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.
Post-Award Research Administrator Full Description
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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The College of Agricultural Sciences seeks to hire an energetic and experienced Post-Award Research Administrator in the Office for Research and Graduate Education.
The Post-Award Research Administrator pursues, administers and conducts sponsored programs; reviews awards for items specific to the faculty, department, and college/unit; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; ensures compliance with University guidelines; and provides training to personnel on topics that cover the breadth of research administration.
- Liaison with Office of Sponsored Programs, ORP (Office of Research Protection), or other central units as needed to support award management
- Prepare requests for advance fund numbers, fund numbers, cost centers, cost sharing cost centers, and other account set up actions
- Prepare and submit budget documents for awarded funds, budget adjustments, and account close-out transfers
- May be responsible for tasks associated with labor distribution and effort confirmation
- May participate in meetings with Office of Sponsored Programs and unit administration concerning Export Control, publication restrictions, and other potential risks; initiate follow up on sign-offs and monitor process
- Review expenditures for allowability based on sponsor terms and conditions and PSU policy.
- Run system-generated financial reports; manage subawards; prepare and submit monthly/quarterly financial report
- Assist with resolving issues and implementing solutions; initiates process improvements to address systemic roadblocks
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Proposal and Award Generalist - Advanced Professional, this position
requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Proposal and Award Generalist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
Qualifications:
Experience with managing email, prioritizing workload, and utilizing financial and electronic research administration programs such as SIMBA, MS Office Suite, SIMS, and sponsor specific submission systems is necessary. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and familiarity with a broad spectrum of granting agencies, foundations and industry sponsors. Successful graduation of the PSU ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) program is preferred.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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 $51,000.00 - $81,500.00.
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $81,500.00.
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.The Pennsylvania State University 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.
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