Pennsylvania State University
Research Development Associate for Strategic Funding
🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $62K - $90K
💻 Research
🗓️ October 16th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Development Associate for Strategic Funding. This role involves providing strategic support for grant submissions, facilitating faculty collaboration and proposal development, managing internal funding competitions, and connecting faculty with resources to advance agricultural, food systems, and environmental science research.
Highlights
- Provide strategic research development support for complex extramural grant submissions.
- Facilitate faculty team formation, collaboration planning, and proposal development.
- Manage internal funding competitions including design, budget tracking, and award administration.
- Identify and disseminate strategic funding opportunities aligned with college priorities.
- Connect faculty with resources, previous awardees, and funding tools as a research concierge.
- Plan and coordinate grantsmanship and professional development 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.
- Preferred experience with Pure, SciVal, SIMS, Microsoft SharePoint, and Plone.
- Requires a Master’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
- Salary range: $61,800 to $89,600 with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.
- Works closely with the Director of Research Development and supports TALiS initiative and SAFES Institute.
Research Development Associate for Strategic Funding 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. 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 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.
Application Information: Please provide a resume or CV with relevant experience and a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position.
Work Arrangements: Work in-person is required; however, partial remote work may be considered. Questions related to flexible work may be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Responsibilities: This position will have the following 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.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience with project management and/or scientific research (in some capacity).
- Exemplary interpersonal skills and a genuine appreciation for working with diverse audiences.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to engage internal and external stakeholders, resolve issues, and coordinate activities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and simultaneous deadlines.
- 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.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
acceptedRequired 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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
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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