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Penn State Job Catalog

Research Project Manager – Senior Supervisor (PSU1298)

Additional Levels

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

Job Strings

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Project Management



Job Summary

The Research Project Manager oversees and advises on research project operations including study methodologies, protocol development, project deliverables and timelines, data management and analysis plans, and financial administration; provides guidance and oversight to research team members; and serves as the project point of contact with faculty, sponsors, and leadership.

Representative Duties

  • Oversee and advise on research projects and investigative studies from study initiation to conclusion including study design, data collection and management plans, technical approaches budget management, and funding opportunities
  • Design project work-flow processes and project infrastructure; delegate, prioritize, and review research tasks in order to achieve project goals and improve results
  • Author, review, and revise procedures for research projects and experiments; direct the standardization of procedures
  • Oversee data collection, data management and reporting methods; interpret and present complex data findings to department executives, external organizations, sponsors, and the larger research community
  • Research, evaluate, and advise University investigators and administrators on research methodologies, emerging trends, novel solutions, new technologies, and other resources
  • Interface with external collaborators to direct and facilitate multi-site and collaborative research
  • Provide guidance and oversight of compliance with government regulations and University policies on research; keep abreast of compliance regulations and changes
  • Plan and administer project budgets; serve as liaison with central financial offices including research accounting, payroll, and department financial officers; create financial and statistical reports for Principal Investigators and division/department executives; analyze information and recommend spending activity
  • Author papers, manuscripts, publications; represent department research interests at institutional workshops and meetings
  • Collaborate with unit, department, or center leadership in order to develop strategic partnerships, advance the mission of research initiatives and projects; develop long term plans for resource allocation
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level Matrix

Level:
Senior Supervisor
Base Description:
– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets
Problem Solving:
– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines
Independence of Action:
– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 12
  • Minimum – $76,700.00
  • MidPoint – $95,900.00
  • Maximum – $115,100.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Master's Degree
Minimum Experience
6+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements