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Pennsylvania State University

Research Project Manager - Population Research Institute

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $86K - $130K 💻 Project Management 🗓️ June 6th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Project Manager for the Population Research Institute. The role involves managing the NICHD P2C infrastructure grant's administrative, development, and scientific cores, leading a research team, overseeing financial management using SIMBA, administering seed grants, supporting hiring through Workday, and collaborating with senior leadership on strategic planning and reporting.

Highlights
  • Manage workflow and oversight of P2C NICHD infrastructure grant cores: administrative, development, scientific
  • Lead, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate a research team of about 5 FTEs
  • Ensure financial management and reporting for NIH grants using SIMBA
  • Administer PRI seed grants including budgeting and compliance
  • Support hiring of students, postdocs, and staff via Workday
  • Collaborate with Senior PRI and SSRI leadership on strategic planning and reporting
  • Preferred experience with Worklion, SIMBA, Penn State systems, and research administration/project management
  • Requires Master's degree and 8+ years relevant experience with 3+ years supervisory experience
  • Salary range: $86,300 to $129,500 with comprehensive benefits including tuition discounts
  • Position supports flexible work arrangements but approval of remote work is not guaranteed

Research Project Manager - Population Research Institute 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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Population Research Institute (PRI) within the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) seeks to hire a Research Project Manager to support PRI's NICHD P2C infrastructure grant. In this role, the Research Project Manager will be responsible for delivering on the strategic mission of the current grant. This position will be filled at the Research Project Management - Manager level.

Responsibilities: Primary job responsibilities include the following:

  • Managing workflow and overseeing the P2C NICHD infrastructure grant cores - administrative, development and scientific.
  • Lead a research team including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating; establish and review performance standards; provide development opportunities
  • Ensuring financial management of the key priorities within the grant (utilizing financial reports in SIMBA for grants), including collecting interim progress reports for NIH grants within the PRI portfolio and working with financial officers at SSRI and throughout the University.
  • Managing leadership meetings and PRI's internal and external advisory boards.
  • Administering PRI seed grants (e.g., creating budgets, tracking expenses, compliance, and reporting).
  • Support PRI's grant portfolio through assisting in the hiring of students, postdocs, and staff (using Workday).
  • Working with Senior PRI leadership on strategic planning for grant goals and financial objectives, assisting with any new initiatives.
  • Working with SSRI senior leadership on reporting needs for SSRI and OSVPR.

The position requires a person who can work independently but also function as part of a larger management team. The ability to demonstrate awareness of emerging trends and to monitor workload and workflow of staff, review completed work of others for conformity to policy, delegate tasks to others, facilitate optimal group dynamics and evaluate employee performance and recommend appropriate developmental opportunities, develop and implement practices that promote a culture of diversity, safety, and environmental consciousness and that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse groups of employees.

Superior interpersonal skills are needed to effectively manage a group of approximately 5 FTEs. Experience with Worklion, SIMBA and other Penn State systems preferred. Research administration/project management experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication is needed.

Work Arrangement: PRI is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

 

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.

 

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