Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Project Management

The Research Project Manager provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for complex research programs, projects, and investigative studies; is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, coordination, and evaluation of research activities and serves as a key adviser on research design, methodology, data strategy, regulatory compliance, and project implementation; collaborates closely with Principal Investigators, faculty researchers, sponsors, and institutional leadership to ensure research objectives are achieved while maintaining scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.

This profile is intended for research professionals possessing advanced knowledge of research principles, methodologies, and practices within a specialized discipline. Positions assigned to this profile are expected to contribute substantive expertise to the design, execution, interpretation, and dissemination of research.

• Lead and oversee complex research programs and projects from concept development through study completion, ensuring alignment with scientific objectives, sponsor requirements, and institutional priorities
• Provide expert guidance on research design, study methodologies, protocol development, data collection strategies, analytical approaches, and technical execution
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators and research leadership to develop and implement research strategies, project plans, and operational frameworks that support successful project outcomes; establish timelines and milestones; assess feasibility and define project scope; allocate resources to support project objectives; evaluate and negotiate competing priorities
• Direct the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of research processes, workflows, infrastructure, and operational procedures
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating research approaches, resolving scientific and operational challenges, and recommending modifications to study protocols, methodologies, and project activities
• Oversee research data collection, management, quality assurance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting activities to ensure scientific integrity and reproducibility of research outcomes
• Analyze and synthesize complex research findings; prepare and present technical reports, research summaries, and recommendations to investigators, sponsors, leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders
• Monitor emerging developments, methodologies, technologies, and best practices within relevant research disciplines and recommend opportunities to enhance research capabilities and outcomes
• Lead governance and stakeholder management by serving as the primary liaison between external organizations, sponsors, government agencies, industry partners, researchers and cross-functional teams; direct governance reviews to evaluate project performance, mitigate risks, drive decision-making, and ensure accountability for deliverables
• Provide guidance and oversight regarding compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University research regulations, policies, and ethical standards, including human subjects, animal care, biosafety, data security, and responsible conduct of research requirements, as applicable
• Develop and manage project budgets and resource plans; monitor expenditures, funding allocations, personnel effort, and financial performance; advise Principal Investigators and leadership regarding financial strategy and resource utilization
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals, funding applications, technical reports, and sponsor deliverables
• Author, co-author, and contribute to scholarly publications, presentations, manuscripts, abstracts, and other research dissemination activities
• Partner with research leadership to establish strategic priorities, identify new research opportunities, develop collaborative partnerships, and advance the long-term goals of research programs, centers, and institutes
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to research personnel and project team members
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $72,300.00
• MidPoint – $90,312.00
• Maximum – $108,444.00

• Consulting
• Data Collection
• Data management
• Operations management
• Presentation Skills
• Project Management
• Regulatory compliance
• Reporting
• Research methods
• Resource allocation
• Strategic Planning