Research Project Manager

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

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

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.