Research Project Manager

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

6d

About The Position

The Research Project Manager serves as the operational lead for the ENHANCE Laboratory within the Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering. The laboratory conducts federally funded, foundation-supported, and industry-sponsored research. Working closely with Principal Investigator Dr. Virginie Papadopoulou, the position oversees laboratory operations, research administration, financial coordination, personnel management, regulatory compliance, and program execution across the laboratory’s research portfolio.

The role also serves as a senior technical resource supporting ultrasound technology development and provides mentorship and training to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff. The Research Project Manager ensures research activities are executed efficiently, projects remain on schedule, laboratory resources are effectively managed, and administrative and regulatory requirements are fulfilled in coordination with departmental and university units.

The position exercises substantial independent judgment in managing laboratory resources, implementing operational processes, overseeing staff training and compliance activities, addressing operational challenges, and supporting the research portfolio in alignment with the scientific and strategic direction established by the Principal Investigator.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and at least 3 years of relevant biomedical ultrasound engineering experience; candidates with degrees in other fields will be considered if they have biomedical ultrasound research or R&D experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and collaboration, along with the ability to work effectively with a high degree of independence.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• A PhD in biomedical engineering, acoustics, electrical engineering, medical physics, or a related field.
• A strong scientific background, including experience in research design, data collection and management, grant and scientific manuscript writing, and knowledge of federal funding mechanisms.
• Experience with biomedical ultrasound-related research.
• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or junior staff.
• Experience in academic medicine, biomedical research, engineering, or a research-intensive university environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for the ENHANCE Laboratory.
• Oversee laboratory operations, research administration, financial coordination, personnel management, regulatory compliance, and program execution across the laboratory’s research portfolio.
• Support ultrasound technology development as a senior technical resource.
• Mentor and train graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff.
• Ensure research activities are executed efficiently and projects remain on schedule.
• Manage laboratory resources and coordinate fulfillment of administrative and regulatory requirements with departmental and university units.
• Implement operational processes and oversee research staff training and compliance activities.
• Address operational challenges and support execution of the laboratory’s research portfolio in alignment with the Principal Investigator’s scientific and strategic direction.

What This Job Offers

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