Research Project Manager - One Health Microbiome Center

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Pennsylvania State University’s One Health Microbiome Center is seeking a Research Project Manager (M.S. or Ph.D.) to support leadership and a diverse community of faculty, scientists, and administrators.

This in-office role at University Park combines scientific project management, grant writing, and strategic program coordination. The position targets experienced applicants with strong writing, coordination, and collaboration skills; responsibilities include managing training grants, industry

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in microbiome science or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, research development, and project coordination.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and continuously improve complex Center initiatives, including training grants, pilot funding programs, workshops, symposia, seminar series, exhibitions, and networking events.
• Partner with Center leadership, faculty, and trainees to establish project goals, monitor milestones, and ensure successful execution across participating departments.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with industry partners, foundations, donors, and other external stakeholders.

Skills

Scientific writing

Project coordination

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in microbiome science or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

The One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State's Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences is a leading interdisciplinary research center with more than 550 members representing 42 academic departments. The Center advances microbiome research and applications that improve outcomes across human, agricultural, and ecosystem health.

We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and collaborative Research Project Manager (M.S. or Ph.D. in microbiome science or a related field) to support the Center's leadership and diverse community of faculty, scientists, trainees, and administrators. This role combines scientific project management, research development, grant and manuscript writing, industry engagement, and strategic program coordination to advance the Center's mission and scholarly impact.

This position will be filled at the Research Project Manager - Advanced Professional level.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management and Program Coordination

• Coordinate and continuously improve complex Center initiatives, including training grants, pilot funding programs, workshops, symposia, seminar series, exhibitions, and networking events.
• Partner with Center leadership, faculty, and trainees to establish project goals, monitor milestones, and ensure successful execution across participating departments.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.

Research Development, Grants, and Scientific Writing

• Collaborate with Center leadership on the development, writing, editing, and submission of manuscripts, annual reports, and grant proposals.
• Synthesize contributions from multiple stakeholders into cohesive, high‑quality documents for journals, government agencies, foundations, universities, and other funding organizations.
• Manage timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion of reports and proposals.

Industry Partnerships and External Relations

• Develop and strengthen relationships with industry partners, foundations, donors, and other external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, research collaborations, trainee mentorship programs, and internship experiences.
• Serve alongside Center leadership as a primary point of contact for external partners and track alliance progress to support Center advancement efforts.

Communications and Outreach

• Oversee dissemination of Center activities and accomplishments through the website, social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
• Review and edit scientific content for accuracy and clarity.
• Support the development of scientific news releases and other high‑visibility communications.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute proactively to Center operations and strategic initiatives.
• Support empirical, computational, and theoretical microbiome projects that advance the Center's research mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in microbiome science or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, research development, and project coordination.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing grant proposals and managing multidisciplinary research projects.
• Experience engaging with industry partners, foundations, or external sponsors.
• Strong understanding of microbiome research and its applications across human, agricultural, or environmental health.

Work Arrangement:

This is an in‑office position will operate out of our University Park campus.

Application Materials: Please submit the following as a single PDF:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume Statement describing your scholarship, leadership, service, and experience coordinating teams and executing collaborative projects.
• Full‑length copies of first‑authored scholarly work relevant to the position (e.g., publications, reports, posters, or similar scholarly products)

Why Join the One Health Microbiome Center?

Join one of the nation's largest microbiome research communities and collaborate with a diverse network of researchers, educators, trainees, and industry partners working to advance discoveries that improve health across people, agriculture, and the environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree3+ years of relevant 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 $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.

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.