Research Operations Manager - Medicine

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Research Operations Manager to provide strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a high-impact research institute. You will oversee daily operations, financial health, compliance, and long-term planning, aligning research activities with the university's mission and supporting faculty and staff.

You will design and implement initiatives to improve productivity, manage large cross-functional projects, and use data analytics to inform decisions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in supervisory roles.
• Required Certifications: None.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a research institute.
• Oversee daily operations, financial health, compliance, and long-term planning.
• Align research activities with the university's mission and support faculty.
• Design and implement operational initiatives to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Manage large cross-functional projects with stakeholder coordination and outcome evaluation.
• Monitor strategic initiatives using data analytics and KPIs to inform decisions.
• Promote innovation and translational research collaborations.
• Develop policies to support research excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with HR on staffing, performance management, and professional development.
• Partner with Strategic Finance to manage budgets, awards, and financial reporting.
• Lead procurement, space planning, IT requirements, and external partnerships.
• Serve as liaison between institute and internal/external stakeholders.

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

**POSITION SPECIFICS**The Research Operations Manager provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a high-impact, multidisciplinary research institute; is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, financial health, compliance, infrastructure, and long-term planning of the institute; ensures that research activities align with the university’s mission; supports faculty and research staff; drives innovation and collaboration across academic and external partners.* Oversee the comprehensive administration of the institute’s operations, including strategic planning, resource management, and organizational development* Lead the execution of the institute’s mission and vision by aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals* Design and implement new operational initiatives to enhance research productivity, efficiency, and impact; identify, propose, and implement continuous process improvements in administrative systems, workflows, and service delivery* Manage large-scale, cross-functional projects across, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder coordination, and outcome evaluation* Monitor the progress of strategic initiatives and research programs, using data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive evidence-based improvements* Promote innovation by identifying commercialization opportunities, accelerating translational research, and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration* Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support research excellence, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance* Ensure adherence to institutional, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety standards, IRB, IACUC, and export control requirements (if applicable)* Collaborate with Human Resources to oversee staffing strategies, workforce planning, performance management, and professional development* Supervise administrative and operational staff; provide leadership, mentorship, and training to ensure high team performance; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement* Partner with the unit’s Strategic Finance Partner to develop and manage budgets, including grants, contracts, gifts, and operational funds* Provide oversight and consultation in the areas of award administration, salary allocation, purchasing, investments, and financial reporting; ensure alignment with institutional policies and sponsor requirements* Lead efforts in financial forecasting, risk assessment, and strategic investment planning* Oversee procurement operations, including developing and evaluating RFPs, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and purchasing approvals* Coordinate space planning, infrastructure upgrades, and facilities maintenance in collaboration with the Office of Physical Plant and external contractors* Collaborate with the IT Strategic Partner on information technology requirements and services to support advanced research activities* Serve as a key liaison between the institute and faculty, internal departments, other research centers, and external stakeholders, including industry and government partners* Cultivate partnerships to expand the institute’s research portfolio, identify new funding opportunities, and enhance the visibility of the institute’s work* Support communications and outreach efforts, including conferences, symposia, marketing, and communications* Work with senior leadership to benchmark operational performance; develop meaningful metrics and KPIs to evaluate programmatic success **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**Master's Degree10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None### **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.### Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. **SALARY & BENEFITS**The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $173,844.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. 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.**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.