Microbiome Center Research Project Manager Full-time

The Penn State Microbiome Center is one of the largest and most active microbiome research and education centers in the U.S. The center was established in 2017 to foster transformative, cross-college interdisciplinary research and to provide infrastructure and resources needed for increasing diversity and breadth of interdisciplinary microbiome research at Penn State. The center is part of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, which exists to strengthen interdisciplinary life science research and graduate education campus wide. Faculty, students and staff associated with the Penn State Microbiome Center come from 9 colleges, 16 campuses and 3 institutes. We are seeking a Research Project Manager to work with the Microbiome Center leadership and a diverse team of faculty, scientists, trainees and administrators in developing and executing complex, transformative and large-scale projects related to the microbiome sciences.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Position Description:  Research Project Manager 2

The Microbiome Center at Pennsylvania State University’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences seeks a highly motivated, organized, and creative Research Project Manager. The Research Project Manager will work with the Microbiome Center leadership and a diverse team of faculty, scientists, trainees, and administrators in developing and executing complex, transformative, and large-scale projects related to the microbiome sciences. The Research Project Manager will manage scientific projects and meetings, write proposal applications and news releases in collaboration with faculty members, coordinate events and oversee education/outreach activities and general Center marketing, and manage budgetary, compliance and operational needs for the Microbiome Center.

Commencing formally in 2017, The Pennsylvania State University Microbiome Center is a global leader in interdisciplinary microbiome research and education by bringing together an unprecedented group of scholars. The Center’s mission is to: (i) create an infrastructure that unifies the microbiome community around complex challenges, (ii) catalyze campus-wide research, training, and teaching activities involving over 500 members, and (iii) deploy state-of-the-science technologies and methods that fundamentally advance microbiome science, therapy, education, art, and policy. By fostering a long-term relationship among diverse faculty, trainees, and staff across 10 colleges, the Center provides a world-class structure to expose and apply a microbial world astonishing in its universality and diversity. The Microbiome Center is part of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences that encompasses One home for the life sciences spanning 33 research institutes and centers, 12 core instrumentation facilities, and 7 advanced graduate programs. More information about the Center can be found at: https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center. 

The faculty in the Microbiome Center carry out diverse research projects and often collaborate with other members across the campus. Areas of expertise span a broad spectrum, from molecules and cells to tissues and organisms to populations and ecosystems. Award-winning faculty and graduate students teach and carry out research in the Human, Environmental, Agricultural, Evolutionary, and Computational Sciences.

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. The successful candidate will work in the Huck Institutes on the University Park main campus. Penn State is a top world-class and national research university home to 24 campuses that the Center serves. 18 disciplines are ranked in the top ten nationally for research expenditures, more than any other university.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Manages Center scientific programs including pilot grant programs, research fellowships, workshops, symposia and seminar series, scheduling of internal/external meetings and visitors, and other communal events
-Leads the writing and preparation of Center-related reports, news, and grant applications in collaboration with the Center leadership
-Manages Center-related project budgets and procurements in collaboration with the Huck Institutes
-Manages compliance and regulatory duties
-Creates and oversees communication of Center outcomes to the public via website, social media, emails, and other promotional materials 
-Oversee outreach activities, education, and art of Center-related projects 
-Liaises with colleagues, trainees, and administrative staff
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

An advanced degree (Master’s Degree required, PhD preferred) from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or a microbiome-related field, is necessary 

-Two (2) plus years of related experience
-Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, demonstrated ability for communicating effectively with various stakeholders is necessary 
-Excellent time-management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills is necessary 
-Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, sound judgement, and attention to detail is necessary 
-Self-motivated and able to work independently on multiple projects concurrently is necessary 
-Consistent demonstration of initiative, able to rapidly adapt and respond to changes in environment and priorities is necessary 
-Professional experience in running structured, multi-disciplinary programs and/or in research administration is preferred 
-Knowledge of standard software packages is preferred 
 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

At Penn State, diversity, inclusion, and equity are fundamental to the campus values and mission to support of all members of the Commonwealth and beyond. We assertively incorporate these values into our research, teaching, learning, outreach, assessment, operations, and decision making at all levels of the University.  We celebrate differences and let individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, the diverse voices of Penn State represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Please see more information at: https://www.psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/equity-and-inclusion/

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 applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 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.

Tagged as: Life Sciences