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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State's Research Business Development Office, within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, seeks a detail-oriented and analytically driven Part-Time Research Impact Analyst to support the Impact Mapping & Database Project. This role focuses on identifying, documenting, and analyzing Penn State’s research contributions over time, including mapping both immediate and long-term impact across the full arc of research.

The position will help uncover the long-term value of Penn State research by linking past projects, funding sources, and outcomes to measurable forms of impact such as economic development, societal benefit, policy influence, and technological advancement. This work supports development of a university-wide impact database and reporting platform, enabling stronger storytelling, improved ROI communication, and enhanced positioning for future funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research Discovery: Identify and document historical and current Penn State research projects across colleges and institutes.
• Impact Mapping: Analyze and categorize research outcomes across multiple impact types, recognizing non-linear and delayed impact.
• Historical Linkage: Connect research projects to funding sources, outputs, and downstream outcomes to establish clear impact narratives.
• Data Structuring: Support development of a structured dataset and relational database for long-term impact tracking.
• Pilot Program Support: Assist with mapping efforts in priority areas (e.g., AgSci, Huck, MRI, EMS) and expand enterprise-wide.
• Collaboration: Engage with faculty, institutes, and administrative units to gather and validate information.
• Process Development: Contribute to internal processes for capturing and reporting research impact.
• Reporting & Storytelling: Develop summaries and narratives supporting communications and business development.

Qualifications:

Education:

High School diploma (enrolled in college, in Business Major), or Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

1–2 years of experience in research, data analysis, market research, business intelligence, or related fields, preferably within a higher education or research environment.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written communication skills for translating research into impact narratives.
• Ability to organize and manage complex datasets.
• Proficiency in Excel, Airtable, or similar tools (CRM/database experience is a plus).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with research, innovation, or impact assessment is a plus.

Project Context (Impact Mapping & Database Project):

• Support mapping of research impact across time and categories.
• Help build a relational database for impact tracking and reporting.
• Improve Penn State’s ability to communicate long-term research ROI.
• Assist in developing processes that encourage faculty participation in impact reporting.

Hours:

Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week.

This is a remote (or on-site) position with opportunities for local hires to join in-person meetings and team gatherings. Candidates should plan to be available for meetings during business hours (8-5, M-F), but a bulk of the work can be completed on a flexible schedule. The candidate should be self-directed with an ability to organize and prioritize their work to meet established deadlines. Expected hours per week are 10-20.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

 

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