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Penn State University · 7 hours ago

Proposal and Award Generalist

University Park, PA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$46K/yr - $67K/yr

Penn State University is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Proposal and Award Generalist to support their research mission within the Department of Food Science. This role manages the full life cycle of grants, from proposal development through award closeout, ensuring compliance and accuracy throughout the process.

Higher Education

No H1B

Responsibilities

Review notices of intent and solicitations for grant proposals; collaborate with Principal Investigators (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

Review awarded grants for accuracy; ensure necessary internal orders (IOs) are created and distributed to Co-PIs as needed

Prepare 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

Provide financial reports to PIs and monitor grant end dates to ensure timely closeout

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

Qualification

Accounting experienceResearch administration experienceSIMBA knowledgeAdobe AcrobatMS Office SuiteACES certificationOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsTime management skills

Required

Accounting and research administration experience required

Strong knowledge of SIMS/SIMS Budgets, SIMBA (Penn State's financial system), Adobe Acrobat, WorkLion, and MS Office Suite

Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills

Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education

Preferred

Familiarity with university financial policies and procedures preferred

Completion of ACES (ACOR Certification and Education Series)

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time

Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

Company

Penn State University

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities.

Founded in 1855

University Park, pa, US

10001+ employees

http://psu.edu

Funding

Current Stage

Late Stage

Leadership Team

Hamza Jamjoom

Co-Founder - Arts & Architecture Student Council

Kara Pytko

Co-founder of Virtual Scientist Webinar Series

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