Junior Pre-Award Research Administrator

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Remote; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Junior Pre-Award Research Administrator to join their dynamic team. This remote-eligible position involves preparing complex proposals and guiding faculty through the proposal development process. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a keen attention to detail. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role offers a chance to contribute to impactful research initiatives. The organization provides competitive benefits, including tuition discounts and comprehensive health plans, making it an attractive opportunity for dedicated professionals.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition discounts

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in research administration.
• Experience with training grants and clinical trial submissions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret sponsor guidelines to advise faculty and staff.
• Prepare proposal applications including budgets and approvals.
• Maintain effective relationships with teams and sponsors.

Skills

Flexibility

Self-management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Electronic proposal submission sites

Strategic Information Management System (SIMS)

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student): please login to Workday (Workday) to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
2. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State: please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
3. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (Application Process).

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office (SIRO) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Junior Pre-Award Research Administrator (Proposal and Award Generalist – Intermediate Professional). The successful candidate will report to a Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator and prepare a variety of small to large complex proposals in a dynamic, fast-paced, and multifaceted environment.

Responsibilities: The selected individual’s job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Review and interpret sponsor and University guidelines, policies, and funding announcements to advise and guide faculty, staff, proposal development and project management teams.
2. Advise faculty and staff in all aspects of proposal development and submission requirements.
3. Prepare proposal applications including all subsections, e.g., budgets and non-technical components as indicated in the solicitation.
4. Obtain departmental, College and University approvals as required.
5. Serve as a pre-award liaison with sponsors, external research partners, Central offices, Institutes, Departments, and Colleges across the University.

The selected individual will maintain positive and effective working relationships both internal and external with assigned teams, research administration units, sponsors, faculty, and staff.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote-eligible position based in the United States. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Associate’s degree or higher along with 2+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Pre or Post Award research administration experience is required.

Required Competencies: This position requires flexibility and self-management skills, high attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills including the ability to prioritize a large number of diverse responsibilities in a very fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are required. The successful candidate will be capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.

Additional Preferred Education, Experience, or Certifications: Proficiency with various electronic proposal submission sites preferred. Experience with training grants and/or clinical trial proposal submissions is a plus. Experience with Strategic Information Management System (SIMS), SIMS budgets. Graduate of Penn State ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or desire to obtain certification is encouraged.

Application: Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter along with their resume for consideration.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit Benefits for more detailed information.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.