Research Project Manager - Limited Term

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Limited Term Research Project Manager (RPM) serves as an embedded partner for the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good (IECG), supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of complex, mission-driven research initiatives. This role is primarily focused on the DELTA project, a major institute-led effort, while also contributing to related initiatives, including the Love and Ethics Initiative, where there is strategic alignment.

IECG’s research portfolio is interdisciplinary, dynamic, and evolving. The RPM brings structure while preserving flexibility, applying practical project management approaches to enable effective coordination, informed decision-making, and sustained progress across interconnected initiatives.

Operating at the intersection of research, project management, and administration, the RPM partners closely with institute leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to translate research priorities into clear, actionable plans. This includes establishing shared understanding around scope, roles, priorities, and interdependencies, ensuring alignment and momentum from concept through execution.

This role requires a high level of independence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and evolving needs. Success depends on balancing structure with adaptability and leading through influence, clear communication, and strong collaboration.

This is a limited-term position aligned with the lifecycle of major institute-led research initiatives, with anticipated funding through December 2030.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate research objectives into actionable project plans, including scope, milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage research programs using appropriate project management methodologies and institutional processes.
• Track progress across timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resources, ensuring alignment with objectives and adapting to evolving research directions.
• Support the collection project data and prepare clear, actionable reports for PIs, institute leadership, and stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as a central coordination point among faculty, research teams, institute leadership, administrative offices, and external partners.
• Facilitate communication across diverse stakeholders to ensure alignment, clarity, and accountability, bridging scientific, operational, and administrative perspectives.
• Identify risks, issues, and interdependencies within and across initiatives; develop and implement mitigation strategies in complex research environments.
• Provide guidance on research administration, compliance, and operational workflows, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and deadlines.
• Partner with other ND administrative units to support contract preparation, award management, and reporting activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and workflows, contributing to best practices in research project management and enhancing coordination across initiatives.
• Support large-scale, multi-institutional, or high-impact initiatives, including DELTA, coordinating activities and integrating workstreams across internal and external partners.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of experience in project management, research administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate projects in dynamic environments with evolving scope and ambiguity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills with faculty, staff, and administrative partners.
• Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Capable of working independently and exercising sound judgment in fast-paced settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Research Administrator (CRA), or related certification.
• Experience in complex research or innovation environments.
• Experience supporting research or scientific programs, including multi-institutional or sponsored projects.
• Familiarity with research compliance and funding requirements.

Position Details

• This is a limited term position with anticipated funding through December 2030
• This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement
• Candidates are expected to reside in the local or regional area to support regular on-campus engagement for meetings, events, and key project activities

Work Environment

The Research Project Manager works closely with faculty investigators, institute leadership, and research teams within the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good and engages regularly with administrative partners across the University.

This role requires a high level of professionalism, adaptability, and independent judgment to support complex, evolving research initiatives. The RPM must be comfortable operating in environments with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and multiple stakeholders.

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Salary up to $80,000 commensurate with experience.

Please include a cover letter and updated resume with your application. 

Applications due by March 28, 2026

 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.