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 SPECIFICSWe are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and collaborative
Research Project Manager (M.S. or Ph.D. in microbiome science or a related field) to support the Center's leadership and diverse community of faculty, scientists, trainees, and administrators. This role combines scientific project management, research development, grant and manuscript writing, industry engagement, and strategic program coordination to advance the Center's mission and scholarly impact.
This position will be filled at the
Research Project Manager - Advanced Professional level.
Key Responsibilities:Project Management and Program Coordination- Coordinate and continuously improve complex Center initiatives, including training grants, pilot funding programs, workshops, symposia, seminar series, exhibitions, and networking events.
- Partner with Center leadership, faculty, and trainees to establish project goals, monitor milestones, and ensure successful execution across participating departments.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
Research Development, Grants, and Scientific Writing- Collaborate with Center leadership on the development, writing, editing, and submission of manuscripts, annual reports, and grant proposals.
- Synthesize contributions from multiple stakeholders into cohesive, high-quality documents for journals, government agencies, foundations, universities, and other funding organizations.
- Manage timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion of reports and proposals.
Industry Partnerships and External Relations- Develop and strengthen relationships with industry partners, foundations, donors, and other external stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, research collaborations, trainee mentorship programs, and internship experiences.
- Serve alongside Center leadership as a primary point of contact for external partners and track alliance progress to support Center advancement efforts.
Communications and Outreach- Oversee dissemination of Center activities and accomplishments through the website, social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
- Review and edit scientific content for accuracy and clarity.
- Support the development of scientific news releases and other high-visibility communications.
Additional Responsibilities - Contribute proactively to Center operations and strategic initiatives.
- Support empirical, computational, and theoretical microbiome projects that advance the Center's research mission.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Master's degree or Ph.D. in microbiome science or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, research development, and project coordination.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience developing grant proposals and managing multidisciplinary research projects.
- Experience engaging with industry partners, foundations, or external sponsors.
- Strong understanding of microbiome research and its applications across human, agricultural, or environmental health.
Work Arrangement: This is an in-office position will operate out of our University Park campus.
Application Materials: Please submit the following as a
single PDF:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume Statement describing your scholarship, leadership, service, and experience coordinating teams and executing collaborative projects.
- Full-length copies of first-authored scholarly work relevant to the position (e.g., publications, reports, posters, or similar scholarly products)
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.
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 STATISTICSPursuant 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.
