This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICSThe Penn State National Security Institute (NSI) invites applications for a non-tenure-line research faculty position to serve in a senior technical leadership role with the working title
Research Technology Officer (RTO). Appointment will be at the rank of
Assistant Research Professor, Associate Research Professor, or Research Professor, depending on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.
Position OverviewThe RTO will help shape NSI's technical strategy and research growth by identifying emerging opportunities, building interdisciplinary teams, leading large-proposal development, and strengthening external partnerships. This is a highly collaborative role for a candidate who can operate effectively at the intersection of research strategy, technical credibility, sponsor engagement, and institutional coordination.
Key Responsibilities- Identify and develop strategic technical opportunities aligned with NSI priorities and sponsor needs.
- Lead or co-lead development of large, complex, multi-investigator and multi-institution proposals.
- Convene Penn State faculty and external collaborators around high-value national security challenges.
- Help define technical road maps for major initiatives, centers, consortia, and partnerships.
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry partners, laboratories, and other external stakeholders.
- Advise institute leadership on technical positioning, investment priorities, and capability development.
- Support translation of research into mission-ready, dual-use, or operationally relevant applications.
- Contribute to institute programs that stimulate collaboration, seed new initiatives, and strengthen proposal competitiveness.
Required Qualifications- Doctoral degree or equivalent terminal degree in engineering, science, technology, or a closely related field.
- Significant experience in technical leadership, research development, innovation strategy, or complex program development, including teams that involve federal agencies, academia, and industry.
- Demonstrated success working across disciplines and organizations to build strategic initiatives or externally funded efforts.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with academic researchers, institute leadership, and external sponsors or partners.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working with DoD, DHS, DOE, NSF, intelligence-community-adjacent organizations, national laboratories, or related federal sponsors.
- Experience with large-scale proposal development, center formation, or research consortium building.
- Familiarity with technology transition, translational R&D, dual-use innovation, or mission-driven technical programs.
- Experience in university-based or university-connected research environments.
Additional Compliance and Information-Access RequirementsThis position may involve access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), export-controlled information, or other sensitive information in support of institute activities. The successful candidate must be able to satisfy and maintain all Penn State, federal, and sponsor requirements related to accessing, handling, and protecting such information. Depending on project, sponsor, or regulatory requirements, this position may be restricted to U.S. persons (U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and/or other protected individuals) as defined under applicable U.S. Export Control Regulations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks and any additional role-specific verifications required by Penn State, applicable law, or sponsor/contracting partner agreements.
Application Materials- a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the role;
- a curriculum vitae; and
- any additional materials requested through the final Penn State hiring process.
Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
BENEFITSPenn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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.
