Research Project Manager - Comprehensive Integrated Research Operations (CIRO)

University of Kansas Medical Center•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Research Project Manager within Comprehensive Integrated Research Operations (CIRO) supports the management and administration of complex research portfolios in collaboration with faculty investigators, institutional partners, and external sponsors. The role coordinates sponsored research activities, major research projects, and program initiatives while providing administrative and operational support to the research enterprise. Its primary focus is supporting faculty investigators through effective management of extramural funding, project activities, and research operations. The position also supervises and trains staff, and partners with the Director to develop and implement standard operating procedures, workflow processes, and process improvements. The listed duties summarize typical functions and may change; they are not an exhaustive list.

Requirements

Four years of experience in business administration or a related field; relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Five years of experience in research administration, project management, or grant management. Examples include managing extramural funding, coordinating large research projects, and liaising with sponsors.
Skills in strategic planning, budget development, organization, attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal relations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Health, Research Administration, or a related field.
One of the following certifications: Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), or Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).
Five years of experience in a large clinical unit within academia or research administration.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned research portfolios with faculty investigators, institutional partners, and sponsors to support project goals and institutional priorities.
Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of research projects and specialized initiatives with faculty investigators and research teams.
Administer extramural and intramural research funds, including budget monitoring, financial projections, reporting requirements, and resource planning.
Support proposal development activities and research collaborations that advance institutional research priorities.
Serve as a liaison among sponsors, principal investigators, collaborators, and internal stakeholders to facilitate communication and coordination.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, contracts, agreements, and standard operating procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
Conduct regular portfolio reviews with project leaders to monitor financial projections, proposal activity, milestone completion, and research objectives.
Identify and recommend process improvements to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and maintain quality standards.
Supervise and train staff to support performance, professional development, and compliance with institutional standards.
Partner with the Director to develop, refine, and implement standard operating procedures, workflow processes, and process improvement initiatives.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage beginning on day one.
Health expense accounts with employer contributions for employees participating in a qualifying health plan.
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Additional voluntary insurance plans.
Accruing paid vacation and sick leave beginning upon hire.
Ten paid holidays.
One paid discretionary day after six months of employment.
Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment.
Retirement program with an employer contribution.
Additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b).