Research Impact Analyst (Research Enterprise)

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Remote; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a detail-oriented Part-Time Research Impact Analyst to support the Impact Mapping & Database Project. The role focuses on identifying, documenting and analyzing Penn State's research contributions over time, linking projects, funding and outcomes to measurable impact.

You will collaborate with faculty and administrative units to build a structured dataset for long-term impact tracking, supporting storytelling and ROI communication across colleges.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or college enrollment; or Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business.
• 1–2 years in research, data analysis, or market research in a higher education or research setting.
• Strong analytical and written communication; detail-oriented and data-driven.

Responsibilities

• Research and document Penn State research projects across colleges and institutes.
• Analyze and categorize outcomes across multiple impact types.
• Link projects to funding sources, outputs, and downstream outcomes to establish impact narratives.
• Support development of a structured dataset and relational database for long-term impact tracking.

Skills

Excel

Airtable

CRM

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Business Administration

Tools

Excel

Airtable

CRM system

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State's Research Business Development Office, within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, seeks a detail-oriented and analytically driven Part-Time Research Impact Analyst to support the Impact Mapping & Database Project. This role focuses on identifying, documenting, and analyzing Penn State's research contributions over time, including mapping both immediate and long-term impact across the full arc of research. The position will help uncover the long-term value of Penn State research by linking past projects, funding sources, and outcomes to measurable forms of impact such as economic development, societal benefit, policy influence, and technological advancement. This work supports development of a university-wide impact database and reporting platform, enabling stronger storytelling, improved ROI communication, and enhanced positioning for future funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Discovery: Identify and document historical and current Penn State research projects across colleges and institutes.
• Impact Mapping: Analyze and categorize research outcomes across multiple impact types, recognizing non-linear and delayed impact.
• Historical Linkage: Connect research projects to funding sources, outputs, and downstream outcomes to establish clear impact narratives.
• Data Structuring: Support development of a structured dataset and relational database for long-term impact tracking.
• Pilot Program Support: Assist with mapping efforts in priority areas (e.g., AgSci, Huck, MRI, EMS) and expand enterprise-wide.
• Collaboration: Engage with faculty, institutes, and administrative units to gather and validate information.
• Process Development: Contribute to internal processes for capturing and reporting research impact.
• Reporting & Storytelling: Develop summaries and narratives supporting communications and business development.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma (enrolled in college, in Business Major), or Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 1–2 years of experience in research, data analysis, market research, business intelligence, or related fields, preferably within a higher education or research environment.
• Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Excellent written communication skills for translating research into impact narratives. Ability to organize and manage complex datasets. Proficiency in Excel, Airtable, or similar tools (CRM/database experience is a plus). Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently. Familiarity with research, innovation, or impact assessment is a plus.

Project Context (Impact Mapping & Database Project)

Support mapping of research impact across time and categories. Help build a relational database for impact tracking and reporting. Improve Penn State's ability to communicate long-term research ROI. Assist in developing processes that encourage faculty participation in impact reporting.

Hours

Hours: Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week. This is a remote (or on-site) position with opportunities for local hires to join in-person meetings and team gatherings. Candidates should plan to be available for meetings during business hours (8-5, M-F), but a bulk of the work can be completed on a flexible schedule. The candidate should be self-directed with an ability to organize and prioritize their work to meet established deadlines. Expected hours per week are 10-20.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

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.

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world's universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom- it's the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.