Associate Dean for Research Administration & Associate Director for Sponsored Programs

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

A renowned academic institution in Hershey seeks an Associate Dean for Research Administration. This full-time role involves overseeing research compliance and sponsored programs, while leading strategic initiatives. Candidates should possess a terminal degree and have over 7 years in research administration, demonstrating strong leadership and regulatory knowledge. The position offers a competitive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount for employees and their families, as well as comprehensive medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of leadership experience in research administration at an academic medical center.
• Demonstrated ability to manage institutional risk and strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of federal regulations for human subjects and animal research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee sponsored programs administration and compliance.
• Provide strategic leadership to advance institutional priorities for research.
• Mentor and manage research administration teams.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance oversight

Regulatory knowledge

Team management

Education

Terminal degree (PhD, MD, JD)

Job description

Position Specifics

Associate Dean for Research Administration (ADRA) and Associate Director for Sponsored Programs — full‑time non‑tenured faculty position at Penn State College of Medicine.

The ADRA is a senior leader who provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the institution’s research enterprise. The role oversees research compliance, sponsored programs administration, operational excellence, and institutional alignment across PSCOM and the broader Penn State research ecosystem.

The ADRA serves as the Institutional Official (IO) for the Animal Care and Use Program, oversees the Institutional Biosafety program, and other regulated domains. The role partners closely with college and university leadership, department chairs, center directors, and external stakeholders to advance research growth, integrity, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Compliance & Institutional Official Duties

• Serve as the research oversight leader, serving on various committees and regulatory bodies as required (e.g., IACUC).
• Provide assurance of compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing biomedical research.
• Oversee compliance operations, education, and monitoring programs supporting investigators and research staff.
• Liaise with federal agencies and accreditors regarding compliance status, reporting, and institutional communications.

2. Sponsored Programs Leadership

• Lead and oversee sponsored programs administration functions, including pre‑award grants administration, contracting, and post‑award integrations with grant management accounting.
• Develop, refine, and implement procedures that support efficient proposal development, award negotiation, and research administration workflows.
• Strengthen infrastructure for grant support, compliance review, financial stewardship, and reporting.
• Partner with department and central offices to support research growth, improve faculty experience, and enhance service delivery.

3. Strategic Leadership Across the College of Medicine

• Advise the Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Dean’s Office, and other senior leaders on strategy, risks, opportunities, and operational improvements related to research administration and federal funding practices.
• Lead initiatives that advance PSCOM’s research strategic plan, infrastructure growth, and institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with center and institute leadership to support complex research programs, strategic proposals, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Drive process improvement, technology adoption, and analytics that enhance transparency, quality, and decision‑making in the research enterprise.

4. Penn State Enterprise‑Level Engagement

• Represent PSCOM within Penn State’s broader research administration community, ensuring alignment of policy, compliance, systems, and strategic initiatives across campuses.
• Contribute to university‑wide committees focused on compliance, research operations, sponsored programs, and strategic planning.
• Foster strong partnerships that enable systemwide collaboration, standardization, and shared service innovation.

5. Operational Excellence & Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and mentorship to research administration directors, managers, and professional staff.
• Ensure organizational structures, staffing, and professional development resources support a high‑performing research administrative ecosystem.
• Develop and manage budgets for research administration units, ensuring efficient stewardship of institutional resources.
• Work closely with other Associate Deans to advance a culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Terminal degree (PhD, MD, JD) in a related field (e.g., research administration, business, public health, biomedical sciences) or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in research administration, compliance oversight, and/or sponsored programs at an academic medical center or research‑intensive institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects, animal research, biosafety, and financial stewardship.
• Proven ability to lead complex teams, manage institutional risk, and drive strategic initiatives.

Preferred

• Advanced certification (e.g., CRA, CPRA, CIP).
• Experience serving as or supporting an Institutional Official.
• Deep familiarity with academic health center research environments and clinical research operations.
• Experience implementing enterprise‑level administrative systems or research management technologies.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Benefits

Penn 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.)

EEO Is the Law

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.