Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Project Manager - Public Health Sciences. This role requires managing multiple research projects for faculty investigators, overseeing study design, data management, and compliance with biosafety and animal care regulations, while also conducting laboratory analyses of oxidative stress biomarkers. The manager will supervise staff, handle budgeting and purchasing, and support collaborative research efforts to ensure projects run efficiently and meet institutional standards.

Highlights

Manage multiple concurrent research projects from initiation to completion including study design and protocol development.
Supervise technical staff, assign tasks, monitor performance, and analyze generated data.
Conduct laboratory analyses of human and animal samples for oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione and lipid peroxidation.
Prepare and submit biosafety and IACUC protocols ensuring regulatory compliance.
Handle purchasing decisions, vendor negotiations, and laboratory order management.
Plan and administer project budgets, collaborating with financial offices for detailed reporting.
Coordinate multi-site and collaborative research studies and contribute to manuscripts and reports.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a scientific field, 10+ years of research management experience, and hands-on lab expertise.
Required minimum of a Master’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary range is $68,200 to $102,300, with a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Research Project Manager - Public Health Sciences 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 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Position Summary
The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences in Hershey, PA is seeking an experienced and collaborative Research Project Manager to oversee and guide multiple research projects across several faculty investigators. This role combines project management leadership with hands-on experimental expertise. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in study design, data management, biosafety and animal care compliance, purchasing and financial administration, and supervision of research staff, as well as direct laboratory experience analyzing human and animal samples for oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione and lipid peroxidation. The Research Project Manager will serve as a key partner to faculty, ensuring projects are conducted efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with institutional and federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Manage multiple research projects simultaneously for several faculty members, from initiation through completion, including study design, protocol development, and analysis planning.
Design project workflows; delegate, prioritize, and review research tasks across different teams and investigators.
Supervise technical staff, including assigning project-specific tasks, monitoring performance, and analyzing data generated by staff.
Develop, review, and standardize procedures for research projects and experiments.
Advise faculty and administrators on research methodologies, emerging trends, and innovative technologies.
Organize and oversee the collection, tracking, storage, and distribution of samples from animal and human studies.
Oversee data collection, management, and interpretation; prepare and present findings to faculty investigators, sponsors, and leadership.
Conduct laboratory analyses of human and animal samples for oxidative stress biomarkers, such as glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and related endpoints.
Design, prepare, and submit biosafety protocols and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols on behalf of multiple faculty investigators.
Ensure compliance with government regulations and institutional policies; remain current on evolving requirements.
Make purchasing decisions, negotiate pricing with vendors, and place laboratory orders on behalf of post-docs and research staff.
Plan and administer project budgets; partner with financial offices to prepare detailed financial and statistical reports for faculty and sponsors.
Coordinate and facilitate multi-site and collaborative research studies.
Author or contribute to manuscripts, reports, and publications.
Represent research teams and department interests at institutional meetings and workshops.
Support long-term planning and strategic initiatives with department and center leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a scientific, health-related, or research-focused field.
10+ years of experience in research project management, preferably in an academic, medical, or scientific setting.
Proven supervisory experience with responsibility for directing technical staff and analyzing their work output.
Hands-on experimental expertise analyzing biological samples for oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g., glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and related assays).
Experience managing sample collection, storage, and distribution from animal and human studies.
Experience preparing and submitting biosafety and IACUC protocols.
Strong knowledge of research design, data management, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects across several principal investigators.
Experience with project budgeting and financial administration.
Experience in vendor negotiation, purchasing decisions, and laboratory order management.
Excellent organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing reports and publications.
Ability to work effectively with diverse faculty, multidisciplinary teams, and external collaborators.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree3+ 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 $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.

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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