The Princeton University (PU)/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Research Administration Manager (RAM) serves as a dedicated research administrator at the interface of PU and PPPL, contributing to the long-term success of PU/PPPL research collaborations. Leveraging deep professional experience in organizational development and improvement, as well as change management, the RAM will implement recent recommendations made to senior leadership of the University and the Lab to modernize and significantly enhance support of research collaborations between the University and the Lab. The RAM will interact with a wide range of University and Lab personnel in performing this role, including senior leadership at both organizations. The RAM will execute the complex responsibilities of this position within an approximately two-year term.
The RAM will report directly to the Executive Director of the Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA) at the University, with a dotted line to the Deputy Chief Research Officer at PPPL, and will work in physical locations both at the University and at the Lab to develop and strengthen relationships between and among relevant individuals and offices at both organizations. The RAM will also work in partnership with individuals and offices at the University as well as the Lab, including but not limited to: the PPPL Research Proposal Development Manager (RPDM), the PPPL Budget Office, the PPPL Procurement Office, the PPPL Research Security Office, PPPL HR and the PPPL CISO.
This is a 2-year TERM position.
Process Improvement, Strategic Project Management and Change Management:
The RAM will be responsible for implementing recommendations recently made to and endorsed by senior leadership of the University and the Lab to enhance the support of research collaborations by:
○ documenting and analyzing current state processes through the creation of business process maps (leveraging software programs such as Visio); collecting and analyzing data (leveraging business analysis tools and techniques such as Lean Six Sigma and process mining); enhancing and automating processes (leveraging AI-driven technology where possible); and identifying additional areas for process development/improvement as appropriate;
○ developing and maintaining standard operating procedures supporting pre-award and post-award collaborative research activities between PU/PPPL;
○ leading cross-functional teams to gather input from stakeholders and to implement process improvements;
○ providing high-level coordination and oversight for multi-institutional working groups, ensuring alignment with best practices and national standards;
○ utilizing dashboards and data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI), measuring and reporting key performance indicators (including baseline measurements) that help assess and demonstrate operational efficiency and effectiveness, as well as assist with risk management; this includes establishing enterprise-wide KPI frameworks, advising on advanced analytics adoption, and driving decisions through evidence-based insights;
○ promoting continuous improvement in research administration between PU and PPPL, leveraging modern technology, national best practices and benchmarking;
○ utilizing project management software (such as Asana or Trello) to track on progress/completion of the above-referenced recommendations as well as time-bound objectives outlined in this job description, and quarterly providing updates to senior leadership at both organizations; and
○ performing other relevant duties as assigned.
Research Administration:
○ The RAM will manage the various PU/PPPL researcher joint appointment programs, including tracking formal and informal researcher exchanges between PU/PPPL (which are currently manually tracked) in enterprise systems, facilitating operational efficiency and reporting.
○ The RAM will also develop governance frameworks and metrics to assess the strategic value of such programs.
○ The RAM will oversee the life-cycle of sponsored program proposals and awards supporting collaborations between PU/PPPL, through joint appointment programs and otherwise.
The above will be accomplished through the following activities:
○ demonstrating a command of the University’s Management & Operating contract of PPPL, and how it relates to and supports research activities; leveraging this expertise to shape institutional policies and proactively address evolving federal compliance landscapes;
○ designing and developing shared and mutually beneficial administrative infrastructure (systems, processes, training materials, etc.) between the University and the Lab in support of research activities;
○ acting as a dedicated research administrator in ORPA serving PPPL, advising PPPL as appropriate on a range of research activities and compliance/risk management matters, covering both PPPL research proposals and awards that involve Princeton University resources and those that do not;
○ coordinating with Principal Investigators (PIs), faculty, and other staff to ensure smooth project management and pre-award and post-award oversight throughout the research collaboration lifecycle;
○ working closely with key stakeholders at PU and PPPL to create and maintain required data and documentation in appropriate systems;
○ tracking and monitoring proposal submissions, funding awards, compliance requirements, and any changes in research-related regulations;
○ utilizing websites and interactive training modules, developing awareness and training materials on pre-award, post-award and joint appointment topics for University and Lab researchers and administrators specific to PU/PPPL research engagements;
○ implementing change management strategies in sponsored programs and joint appointment administration to support a growing and diversifying research enterprise at PPPL consistent with prioritized research directions of a multi-program Lab;
○ serving as a liaison between Princeton University’s sponsored research office, Laboratory departments, external research collaborators, and funding agencies;
○ serving as the primary point-of-contact for PU/PPPL research administration and operations process improvement efforts; and
○ representing PU/PPPL in external stakeholder forums, national working groups, and strategic partnerships related to research administration associated with national laboratories
○ The RAM will also support the above activities between PPPL and other external partners such as universities, companies, and other government laboratories.
Education & Experience:
● Master's Degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field
● Five or more years of professional experience managing projects, implementing end-to-end process improvements, and facilitating change management
● Proven ability to drive operational efficiencies and lead organizational change initiatives, especially those that aim to implement new tools, systems, or processes in research administration
● Experience with root cause analysis, process mapping, and value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks and constraints
● Experience proposing data-driven solutions to improve processes, reduce costs, and optimize timelines for deliverables
● Experience working with stakeholders across multiple levels (e.g., faculty, researchers, administration)
● Experience creating and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and training materials
● Experience with training staff, addressing resistance to change, and ensuring that improvements are sustainable over time
● Experience at DOE National Laboratories or Department of Defense Laboratories preferred
Essential Skills
● Strong understanding of the sponsored research process, including award lifecycles, funding agency guidelines, contract negotiation, and post-award management
● Strong organizational ability to define clear project goals, track multiple projects, manage timelines, allocate resources, and measure outcomes
● Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders at every level within and outside the organization
● Strong critical thinking skills to identify problems in the sponsored research administration process and develop sustainable and scalable solutions to address them
● Strong ability to analyze processes and develop data-driven solutions
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, mediation (conflict resolution), and facilitation skills
● Strong technical skills, including the ability to leverage technology tools for automating repetitive tasks, tracking progress, and improving workflow efficiency
● Proactive, self-directed, and service oriented
● Knowledge of federal research operations and ability to interpret and understand federal regulations (e.g., FAR, DEAR, 2 CFR 200, Uniform Guidance), institutional policies, and funding agency rules
Physical Requirements
● Should be able to tolerate an environment that involves long periods of sitting in front of a computer or in meetings
Work Conditions
● Position may occasionally have periods where a flexible work schedule is necessary to complete unanticipated and/or urgent matters
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
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