Proposal and Award Generalist

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants. 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. POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Food Science is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional to join our team as a Proposal and Award Generalist. This role is integral to supporting our research mission and will manage the full life cycle of grants, from proposal development through award closeout. Our department includes 18 active research faculty, 6 postdoctoral scholars, and 45 graduate assistants, and we pride ourselves on fostering a team-oriented environment that makes Food Science an exceptional place to work. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Pre-Award Activities: Review notices of intent and solicitations for grant proposals; collaborate with PIs on draft budgets and justifications. Gather required documents for proposal submission (biosketches, current & pending support, conflict of interest forms, facilities and equipment details, etc.). Coordinate with the College of Agricultural Sciences Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) to obtain special approvals (e.g., cost share, financial risk, IAF, advanced accounts). Distribute correspondence and updates from OGC and ACOR listserv to faculty regarding proposal deadlines and sponsor requirements. Post-Award Activities: Review awarded grants for accuracy; ensure necessary internal orders (IOs) are created and distributed to Co-PIs as needed. Prepare backup needed for journal entries in SIMBA for cost transfers or account updates. Advise faculty, staff, and students on cost allowability and allocability. Assist PIs with no-cost extensions, carryforward requests, budget revisions, and personnel changes. Prepare detailed invoice documentation for sponsors such as PLCB and CDC and others as needed. Provide financial reports to PIs and monitor grant end dates to ensure timely closeout. Monitor all grants in Food Science to ensure accurate spending. Additional Responsibilities: Serve as the primary initiator for purchasing cards, travel, PSUbuy orders, SIMBA forms, and other transactions as part of the Finance Optimized Service Teams (OST) rollout in February 2026. QUALIFICATIONS Required Qualifications: Accounting and research administration experience required. Strong knowledge of SIMS/SIMS Budgets, SIMBA (Penn States financial system, or similar systems), Adobe Acrobat, WorkLion, and MS Office Suite. Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills. Preferred Qualifications: Completion of ACES (ACOR Certification and Education Series). Familiarity with university financial policies and procedures preferred. POSITION DETAILS Reports to: Department Manager, Food Science Location: University Park, PA Hybrid Possibility: 3 days in office/2 remote MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Please submit both a cover letter and updated resume through Workday to be considered for this position. 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 $46,400.00 - $67,300.00. 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. 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