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Research Program Coordinator
- Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
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Position Details
Position Information
Department College of Engineering (ENG)
Position Title Coordinator-Res Program
Job Title Research Program Coordinator
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Yes
Job Summary
The College of Engineering Research Administration team are seeking a Research Program Coordinator. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, professional faculty position.
As part of the College of Engineering Research Administration team, the Research Program Coordinator provides high-level project management and administration for one or more faculty members with multiple large or complex externally funded research projects. The incumbent applies their organizational skills and expertise to substantially reduce the administrative burden on researchers, improving our researchers’ capacity to successfully manage grant funding and execute research projects.
This position assists Principal Investigators (PIs) and research teams with strategic planning, efficient resource management, and effective operation of all project activities. The Research Program Coordinator takes the lead in establishing project procedures and administration in collaboration with the PIs. The incumbent develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge of university and funding agency requirements as well as award management processes. They direct the production of required reports and act as a liaison between the PIs and all support services needed for each project, both internal and external to OSU . The Research Program Coordinator works with Research Strategic Services staff to manage complex budgets and ensure that funding agency requirements are met throughout the grant award lifecycle. They work closely with the PIs while also prioritizing and completing tasks and deadlines on their own.
This position works independently in a team-supported environment and reports to the Director of Engineering Research Administration, in addition to working closely with a small number of faculty. Proactive and extensive interactions are required with researchers, other university offices, the Engineering Research Administration team, and external funding agencies within complex institutional settings. Active support of inclusivity, equity, diversity, and community is embedded into all position activities as a responsibility and an expectation.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
•Top 1.4% university in the world
•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•217k+ alumni worldwide
•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
•Retirement savings paid by the university.
•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! (https://bestplace4workingparents.com/policies/)
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
50% Project Coordination
+ Provide high-level support to the PI for day-to-day research project management and act as a thought partner on non-technical matters.
+ Maintain detailed project timelines and track progress on tasks, milestones, and deliverables to enable effective monitoring, revision, and evaluation of project activities.
+ Direct the timely preparation of required reports by gathering and synthesizing contributions from team members and internal/external partners.
+ Manage research team meeting schedules, set agendas, and track action items.
+ Coordinate project personnel hiring and appointment changes in collaboration with internal units.
+ Plan and execute project events such as research collaboration meetings, workshops, and seminars, including agendas, logistics, publicity, outcomes, and follow-up actions.
+ Interpret internal and external policies and procedures to determine and implement appropriate actions, consulting with others as needed.
+ Exercise independent judgment to organize and execute tasks that support research project objectives while aligning with PI priorities.
+ Oversee regulatory compliance issues (e.g., conflict of interest, research security, human subjects research) and direct preparation of related applications, reports, and other documents.
+ Coordinate project onboarding/offboarding for research team members, and provide tools and training as needed.
+ Recommend solutions to programmatic challenges, implement approved changes, develop plans for improvement, and provide assessment of project operations.
30% Financial Management
+ Monitor budgets, expenditures, and resources to meet research project objectives, ensure compliance, and anticipate future needs. Initiate and track corrections as needed. Prepare regular reports and spending plans.
+ Coordinate and manage subawards, service contracts, large purchases, award changes, and overall fiscal management in partnership with internal units. Follow up to minimize delays and ensure completion.
+ Approve invoices, purchases, and travel expenditures within delegated authority.
15% Communications and Relationship Management
+ Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and foster an inclusive work environment.
+ Serve as a primary point of contact for research projects and make independent decisions as appropriate.
+ Develop and recommend team collaboration and communication processes and tools, adapting to PI and project team needs. Share ideas based on best practices and lessons learned.
+ Track and communicate research project metrics and outcomes, and develop outreach and marketing materials (e.g., websites, reports, fact sheets) to promote project accomplishments.
5% Professional Development and Other Activities
+ Perform other activities as needed on behalf of the College of Engineering.
+ Engage in professional development.
What You Will Need
+ Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, Business Administration, or related field.
+ Two years of experience providing project management, project coordination, and/or advanced administrative support.
+ Strong organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to be proactive, prioritize work across multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
+ Demonstrated ability to interpret, explain, and implement complex information, and to act as a resource to a wide variety of constituents.
+ Effective interpersonal skills to engage and build relationships with internal and external partners.
+ Effective written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
+ Demonstrated basic experience in Microsoft Excel or other software for numerical calculations, including skills such as cell formatting, sorting, creating formulas, and summarizing data.
+ Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and recommendations which align with policies.
+ Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead within the team, unit, or organization.
+ Demonstrated ability to approach setbacks, delays, or difficult interactions with composure and a solution‑oriented mindset.
+ Commitment to fostering and participating in an inclusive work environment.
+ U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, as mandated by federal regulations.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have
+ Five years of experience providing project management, project coordination, and/or advanced administrative support for one or more longer-term projects.
+ Master’s degree.
+ Experience balancing work between multiple teams, projects, or supervisors.
+ Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships that lead to successful project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.
+ Demonstrated ability to perform professional work such as research, presentations, and/or technical writing.
+ Experience in program coordination, research support, budget management, executive leadership support, office management, event planning, facilitation, or similar activities.
+ Demonstrated ability and eagerness to problem solve, implement solutions, and improve processes.
+ Demonstrated intermediate expertise in Microsoft Excel or other software for calculations, including skills such as working with large datasets, creating complex formulas, filtering, tables, drop down lists, conditional formatting, or similar.
+ Experience working in a research setting – OR – Experience working with researchers on sponsored program activities.
+ Experience working in higher education or government.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The Research Program Coordinator position typically requires significant in-person presence, though a fully remote work agreement with occasional travel may be considered for the right candidate. This position may arrange a flexible work schedule (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/remote-work) as agreed upon by the employee and supervisor.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $70,000-$87,000
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/105413
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09665UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 04/01/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 01/08/2026
Full Consideration Date 01/29/2026
Closing Date 02/12/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 29, 2026.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) Please respond to the following prompts (upload as Other Document 1) :
+ Describe your experience in program or project coordination. What was the scope of a successful program or project that you feel your efforts made a significant impact on, and what was your role?
+ Describe a time when you had to influence or guide others without being the formal decision maker, especially during a challenging or high-pressure situation. How did you maintain composure, support the group, and help move the situation toward a positive outcome?
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
Cristina Orrico
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/176036
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
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