Lab Project Operations Lead

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s NIAR is seeking a detail-driven Project Operations Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and financial oversight of laboratory projects and grant-funded initiatives.

You will collaborate with project teams, leadership, finance, and contracts to ensure scope alignment, timely invoicing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes risk management, data-driven performance, and documentation to support sponsor expectations and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Seven years of related project management experience; 30 hours of college coursework can substitute for 1 year (max 4 years).
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of budgeting, grant/contract requirements, and sponsor guidelines.
• Ability to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and regulations.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Experience with data collection and performance measurement.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational oversight for laboratory projects, including grant-funded and contract work.
• Supports planning, schedules, milestones, deliverable tracking, and risk monitoring.
• Manages budgets, burn rates, funding availability, and invoicing reconciliation.
• Coordinates with project teams to ensure work aligns with approved scopes of work.
• Analyzes data to inform decisions and improve performance; maintains documentation.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Wichita State University’s NIAR is seeking a detail-driven Project Operations Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and financial oversight of laboratory projects and grant-funded initiatives.

You will collaborate with project teams, leadership, finance, and contracts to ensure scope alignment, timely invoicing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes risk management, data-driven performance, and documentation to support sponsor expectations and organizational growth.