Research Operations Manager - Cancer Institute

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POSITION SPECIFICS

About the Unit:

Based on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., Penn State Cancer Institute is committed to fighting cancer on every front: through education and prevention, early detection and diagnosis, effective treatment and survivorship programs. The Cancer Institute provides patients access to all aspects of care in a single destination including:

• Infusion therapy suites and private rooms for chemotherapy
• A state-of-the-art radiation oncology suite for treatment options that refine tumor targeting and reduce treatment time, such as RapidArc radiotherapy
• A chemotherapy and infusion pharmacy staffed by clinical pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians
• An outdoor healing garden that offers a quiet retreat for both patients and families

The Cancer Institute has three research programs focused on the themes of Population Health and Cancer Control, Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis and Experimental Therapeutics. Additionally, pediatric cancer research led by faculty at Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine is a highly visible part of the Penn State Cancer Institute and greatly benefits from THON and Four Diamonds. With a research presence in Hershey and at the University Park campus, the Penn State Cancer Institute is the centerpiece of Penn State's commitment to discoveries that will lead to the prevention, treatment and cures for cancer.

Job Summary:

The PSCI 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; and drives innovation and collaboration across academic and external partners.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage the staff of the institute's operations, including strategic planning, resource management, and organizational development
• Drive the alignment of the day-to-day admin operation to meet the Cancer Institute's goals
• Design and implement new administrative initiatives to enhance the research portfolio of the Cancer Institute
• Implement continuous process improvements in administrative systems, workflows, and service delivery
• Supervise administrative and operational staff
• Provide leadership, mentorship and training to ensure high team performance and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement
• Manage large-scale cross-functional projects across departments and ensure timely execution, stakeholder coordination, and outcome evaluation
• Monitor the progress of strategic initiatives and research programs for the Cancer Institute by utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive evidence-based improvements
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support research excellence, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with Human Resources to oversee staffing strategies, workforce planning, performance management, and professional development
• Coordinate with the Procurement Operations Lead to develop and evaluate request for proposals, support vendor selection, facilitate contract negotiations, and oversee purchasing approval processes
• 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 for Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSG) application and develop metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate programmatic success

Competencies

• Knowledge of cancer prevention, chronic diseases, public health, and understating of issues related to access to care (from the community and among health systems) for rural and underserved populations
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cooperative culture, in the field and within program teams
• Ability to facilitate small and large group meetings in-person and virtually
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work simultaneously on multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and innovation competencies
• Demonstrate flexibility with timelines and work schedule
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and an understanding of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish effective, trusting working relationships with all stakeholders
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly proactive and flexible
• Knowledge and proficiency in all major software applications

Preferred Experience

• 5 to 7 years of public health program implementation preferred
• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams and agency and community stakeholders preferred

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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