Research Project Manager

Employment Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Vacancy ID: NF0010180

Position Summary/Description:

The Research Project Manager will serve as a key member of the UNC Surgical Health Services Research Center ( USHER ) within the Department of Surgery. This position is responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, and management of research studies and funded projects, ensuring that goals, timelines, regulatory requirements, and budgets are met.

The Research Project Manager will work closely with faculty investigators, research staff, collaborators, sponsors, and community and healthcare partners to support all phases of the research lifecycle. Primary responsibilities include:

• Provide day-to-day management of multiple research projects, including monitoring study progress, tracking milestones and deliverables, managing timelines, and ensuring achievement of project objectives.

• Coordinate project operations, including planning and facilitating meetings, preparing agendas and meeting materials, documenting action items, and following up on tasks.

• Manage project budgets, including forecasting expenditures, monitoring spending, and preparing and submitting invoices.

• Serve as a liaison among faculty investigators, research staff, sponsors, collaborating institutions and community partners.

• Supervise, train, and mentor clinical research assistants and graduate research assistants.

• Prepare and submit regulatory and administrative documentation, including IRB applications, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, progress reports, and sponsor reports.

• Develop and maintain study documentation, including research protocols, manuals of operations, data management plans, quality assurance plans, and safety monitoring procedures.

• Participate in research center activities, strategic initiatives, and center-wide meetings to support the mission and growth of USHER .

• Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and sponsor regulations governing human subjects research and project management activities.

The Research Project Manager may also contribute to the dissemination of research findings through presentations and publications.

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in public health, clinical research, or a related field.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in project management, clinical research, health services research, or a related field.

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, trainees, research participants, and external partners.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, study documentation, and professional correspondence.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in managing complex projects and making independent decisions.

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

AA/EEO Statement:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.