Research Project Manager

Rice University • Houston, TX

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Project Manager supports the coordination and day-to-day execution of multiple research projects in Dr. Szablowski’s lab. This role provides administrative and operational support that helps sustain research activity across the lab, including support for compliance-related processes, project documentation and reporting, scheduling, and other functions necessary to keep projects organized and progressing. Working closely with the PI, lab staff, and university administrative partners, the position helps track requirements, maintain follow-through on project-related activities, and support the timely completion of recurring responsibilities. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while keeping the PI informed of progress, outstanding items, and issues requiring attention.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1+ years of research project management or related project coordination experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and track multiple responsibilities, schedules, and deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, lab staff, and university administrative partners
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to take initiative and follow through on recurring responsibilities with accuracy and consistency
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify routine issues, support practical solutions, and elevate more complex matters as appropriate
• Working knowledge of project coordination practices, including the ability to anticipate needs, monitor progress, and help mitigate potential risks to timelines or required deliverables
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team while keeping appropriate stakeholders informed of progress and issues requiring attention

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting research projects in a laboratory or other technical environment
• Experience coordinating recurring compliance, reporting, or documentation requirements in support of research activities
• Experience supporting operational workflows involving scheduling, shared resources, equipment, or other day-to-day lab coordination needs
• Experience assisting with administrative processes such as purchasing, timekeeping, or related support functions in a research or technical setting
• Demonstrated ability to maintain organized records, monitor deadlines, and manage multiple active responsibilities with accuracy and consistency
• Demonstrated ability to identify routine issues, take appropriate follow-up action, and elevate more complex matters as needed

Responsibilities

• Performs activities in support of multiple research projects and related lab operations
• Coordinates compliance-related activities for research projects, including tracking requirements, preparing and organizing materials, and following up with lab staff and the PI to support timely submissions and renewals related to IBC, IACUC, DEA, and other applicable processes
• Supports grant- and project-related reporting by collecting, organizing, and submitting documentation from lab staff and the PI for reports, proposals, and other required research materials
• Interacts closely with the PI in the daily coordination of research project activities, including grant preparation support, report tracking, paper submission support, and meeting scheduling
• Manages instrument, equipment, and staff scheduling to support effective lab operations, efficient use of resources, and continuity of research activities while helping maintain data quality standards
• Tracks and coordinates administrative and operational needs for the lab, including software subscription renewals, maintenance agreements, and equipment repair scheduling
• Communicates and coordinates with university administrative partners to support research and lab operations
• Assists lab staff with administrative support activities related to purchasing and timekeeping
• Maintains organized project records, timelines, and status tracking and keeps the PI informed of key deadlines, outstanding items, and issues requiring attention
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Benefits-eligible position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level