Research Operations Specialist - PSCI

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a Research Operations Specialist in the Penn State Cancer Institute in Hershey, PA. The Research Operations Specialist position provides administration, planning, and research operational support across multiple functions within the Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI), including direct support to the PSCI Director. Serve as the marketing and communications lead for PSCI Administration. The role further provides programmatic assistance to the Associate Director for Population Sciences / Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement and Cancer Control Program.

This role serves as a primary liaison between PSCI, Penn State University (PSU), Penn State College of Medicine (COM), Penn State Health (PSH), Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (MSHMC) and external leadership and consultants. Responsibilities include managing and resolving inquiries, ensuring compliance with unit and University policies and procedures. Independently lead special projects, including those that are confidential or time sensitive.

This position supports core PSCI operations by contributing to the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) activities and assisting with PSCI events.

• Efficiently manage the Director’s calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements. Prioritize and coordinate conflicting commitments to optimize the Director’s time.
• Handle incoming communication, including emails, phone calls, and written correspondence. Draft and edit correspondence on behalf of the Director, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
• Coordinate meetings and briefings, including agenda preparation, attendance tracking, meeting minutes, and logistical arrangements. Provide necessary materials and ensure the Director is adequately prepared for all engagements.
• Arrange domestic and international travel for the Director and accompanying staff. Coordinate transportation, accommodations, visas, and other logistics to ensure smooth and efficient travel experiences.
• Maintain organized records and files, both physical and digital, related to the Director’s activities, initiatives, and correspondence. Ensuring information is easily accessible and secure.
• Assist in the planning and execution of official events, ceremonies, and functions involving the Director. Coordinate with internal staff, external partners, and vendors to ensure successful outcomes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking access to the Director. Represent the Director’s office with professionalism and diplomacy in interactions with government officials, business leaders, and the public.
• Handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion. Maintain strict confidentiality protocols and exercise sound judgment in all communications and interactions.

• Manage project websites, coordinate dissemination of research activities, and facilitate effective communication of research outcomes.
• Lead the coordination and production of the PSCI website and newsletter, distributed across multiple Penn State campuses. Develop timelines and content plans aligned with program priorities and institutional messaging. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership to solicit, gather, and curate relevant content, including research highlights, program updates, events, campaigns, and announcements.
• Oversee writing, editing, and formatting to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to PSCI standards. Manage layout and design elements to create a visually engaging and user-friendly publication.
• Maintain distribution lists and oversee dissemination through…