Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Research Project Management – Manager

🇺🇸 Hershey, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $86K - $130K 💻 Project Management 🗓️ March 7th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Project Management – Manager. The role involves directing the Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core, overseeing human iPSC culture and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, while managing a translational cardiovascular research laboratory, including day-to-day operations, personnel supervision, and training.

Highlights
  • Establish and lead the Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core, managing iPSC generation, differentiation, and CRISPR-based genome editing techniques.
  • Manage core facility operations including scheduling, training, cost recovery, SOP development, and compliance with biosafety and regulatory policies.
  • Serve as senior laboratory manager for a cardiovascular research lab, overseeing personnel, budgeting, purchasing, and experimental workflows.
  • Provide scientific consultation on experimental design and collaborate with faculty across Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health.
  • Contribute technical expertise to grant applications and progress reports.
  • Required qualifications include a Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience and at least 3 years supervisory experience; a PhD is preferred.
  • Preferred expertise in human iPSC generation, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, cardiovascular disease modeling, and core facility management.
  • Experience supporting NIH- or VA-funded programs and familiarity with cost-recovery models for core facilities is advantageous.
  • Salary range is $86,300 to $129,500 annually, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and will undergo background checks according to university policies.

Research Project Management – Manager Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


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 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Position Title: Director, Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core(50% Core Leadership / 50% Research Laboratory Management)
Department: Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine

Position Summary
Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM) is seeking a highly skilled scientist to serve as Director of the Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core, a new shared research resource supporting translational and precision medicine research across the COM and Penn State Health (PSH).

This position is a dual-role appointment, with 50% effort dedicated to directing the iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core and 50% effort dedicated to research laboratory management within the Department of Medicine (DOM). This role provides an opportunity to build and lead a core facility while maintaining close engagement in active translational research programs.

Primary Responsibilities
Director, Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core  
  • Establish, lead, and operate the Human iPSC & CRISPR Editing Core.
  • Oversee generation, propagation, differentiation, and characterization of human iPSCs, including iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
  • Develop and implement CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing approaches (knock-in, knock-out, variant modeling).
  • Build and manage scalable and high-throughput iPSC-based experimental platforms.
  • Provide scientific consultation to investigators on experimental design and feasibility.
  • Collaborate with faculty across PSCOM, PSH, and the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine, including alignment with organoid and precision medicine initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, quality control standards, and reproducibility practices.
  • Oversee core operations, including scheduling, training, and cost-recovery activities.
  • Contribute technical expertise to grant applications and progress reports.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, regulatory, and research policies.
Research Laboratory Management - Department of Medicine  
  • Serve as senior laboratory manager for a translational cardiovascular research laboratory.
  • Oversee daily laboratory operations, including personnel supervision, purchasing, budgeting, and compliance.
  • Support and execute experimental workflows involving human iPSC-derived models, genome editing, and functional assays.
  • Train and mentor laboratory staff and trainees in advanced cell biology and genome editing techniques.
  • Ensure continuity, efficiency, and rigor in laboratory operations and research activities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Human iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation
    • CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies
  • Experience managing complex laboratory operations.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience leading or contributing to a core facility or shared research resource.
  • Expertise in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and cardiovascular disease modeling.
  • Experience supporting NIH- or VA-funded research programs.
  • Familiarity with core facility cost-recovery models.
Additional Information
This position offers the opportunity to play a key leadership role in building PSCOM's translational research infrastructure while remaining closely engaged in discovery science within the DOM.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory 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 $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.
 
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.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.