Business Analyst - Research Administration

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• 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS), a unit within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR), seeks a Business Analyst, reporting to the Assistant Director/Lead Business Analyst. This position will play an integral role as part of a dynamic team to provide solutions that enhance organizational excellence across the research lifecycle.

Solutions delivered and supported by ORIS enable the University and its researchers to comply with federal regulation, state law, and institutional policy in the conduct of their research. Research lifecycle components generally include, but are not limited to, research development, pre-award, negotiations, subagreements, post-award, research compliance (e.g., human subjects, animal use, regulated biohazard use, etc.), research security (e.g., disclosure management, export, cybersecurity, etc.), quality management programs, dive and drone safety, core facility management and tech transfer.

Responsibilities: The Business Analysts will work with many project stakeholders, researchers, research professionals, senior leaders, subject matter experts, project managers, change management consultants, vendors and trainers to facilitate a broad range of organizational improvement activities. Those activities include but may not be limited to the following:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze critical business requirements through interviews, document reviews, workshops, and surveys; validate needs through testing, review, and documentation.
• Define, document, and model current business functions using visual diagrams, workflows, process maps, and cost analysis tools.
• Analyze and model current vs. proposed business processes, structures, and data to identify gaps, root causes, and improvement opportunities; compare solutions to select the most effective option.
• Prioritize tasks and projects; design and implement improved business solutions; build consensus, negotiate compromises, and manage change.
• Identify risks and bottlenecks in new or updated processes; recommend solutions; support continuous improvement and ensure alignment across units.
• Collaborate with project managers, analysts, developers, architects, and other stakeholders to maximize business value.
• Provide regular updates to project managers and leadership; prepare and present reports to working groups and committees.

Candidates with an understanding of the research lifecycle, research administration or research compliance and with technical knowledge and experience working with electronic management systems and administrative information systems are preferred.

The successful candidate will have strong relationship-building, facilitation and management skills (e.g., meeting deadlines and prioritizing work), can work in ambiguity, build consensus, exercise independent judgment and discretion, and easily shift from working independently to working within a team.

Experience or industry certification in process improvement, agile, project or organizational change management methodologies is strongly preferred, but not required. Proficiency with Azure Dev Ops, mapping tools and notation (MIRO, LucidChart, Visio), Power BI or similar tools, Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools (Power Apps, Power Query) are preferred but not required.

Work Arrangement: This position is eligible for remote work within the US with infrequent but occasional travel for team or critical stakeholder meetings. Standard work times will be in EST.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

 

 

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 $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.

 

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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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