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:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, 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 complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $91,488.00
• MidPoint – $114,384.00
• Maximum – $137,280.00

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