Associate Dean for Research Administration & Associate Director for Sponsored Programs

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Associate Dean for Research Administration. This full-time position involves providing operational leadership for the research enterprise, overseeing compliance and sponsored programs, and advising senior leadership on strategic initiatives. Candidates should have a terminal degree and at least 7 years of leadership experience in research administration. The role offers comprehensive benefits, including a 75% tuition discount for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of leadership experience in research administration or sponsored programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing human subjects and animal research.
• Ability to lead complex teams and drive strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research compliance and sponsored programs administration.
• Lead strategic initiatives for PSCOM’s research.
• Advise senior leadership on operational improvements.

Skills

Leadership in research administration

Compliance oversight

Sponsored programs experience

Knowledge of federal regulations

Team management

Education

Terminal degree (PhD, MD, JD)

Job description

Position Specifics

Penn State College of Medicine invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Research Administration and Associate Director for Sponsored Programs, a full‑time non‑tenured faculty position. The Associate Dean for Research Administration (ADRA) serves as a senior leader providing strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the institution’s research enterprise, overseeing research compliance, sponsored programs administration, operational excellence, and institutional alignment across PSCOM and the broader Penn State research ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.)

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.