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Manager / Researcher / Scientist / Writer
Research Project Manager – One Health Microbiome Center Full-time
POSITION SPECIFICS
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 Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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.