Research Manager 3- Clinical Research

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 160,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and generous time‑so

Tuition benefits

Low-cost medical and dental plans

Excellent retirement plans with ERF

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee wellbeing program

Transit Pass with Twin Cities access

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Research Manager 3 to serve as the primary administrative lead for coordinating a large, diverse team across engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and computer science. You will ensure milestones are met, policies are in place, and communication remains clear and timely.

You will independently prepare key reports, manage project finances, navigate multi-institution contracts, and collaborate with stakeholders to remove roadblocks while potentially

Qualifications

• Terminal degree with substantial research and publication record.
• Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams in complex, multi-institution projects.
• Ability to translate scientific findings for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and lead a large, complex multidisciplinary team.
• Manage multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination.
• Oversee research project aspects including data collection, budgets, and progress measurement using project management tools.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports and translate results for sponsors.

Skills

Project management

Strategic leadership

Communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD or terminal degree in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Job ID: 376091

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Research

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9393CR

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking a Research Manager 3. The person will be the primary administrative lead for coordinating a large, complex, multidisciplinary team of researchers from engineering, psychology, neuroscience, and computer science. The project will span multiple departments, with deliverables on tight timelines. The person will need to solve complex problems and design protocols, procedures, and policies to fulfill the research objectives. The position will focus on ensuring appropriate progress against milestones and clear technical communication related to those milestones.

A critical aspect of this role is to make rapid progress on these deliverables and be prepared to pivot quickly as evidence suggests new strategies. The project will require extraordinary organizational skills, the ability to adapt to and manage a wide range of personalities/styles, and efficiency in communication and work styles. It is highly anticipated that one or more entrepreneurial ventures will arise from the work, and the person would be a leading candidate for a leadership role in those ventures if so desired.

The person will have access to experienced mentors, but will be responsible for independently preparing key reports, overseeing project finances, and identifying solutions to major roadblocks. The person will be expected to navigate the complexities of multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination, as well as to bring relevant stakeholders together to quickly overcome roadblocks.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, coordinate, and lead a large and highly complex multidisciplinary team from multiple departments.
• Manage complexities of multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination, as well as bring relevant stakeholders together to overcome roadblocks.
• Provide strategic direction and primary oversight of significant aspects of the research project, including data collection, financial budgets, and measurement of progress against deliverables using project management software.
• Independently identify and define deliverables and prepare key monthly and quarterly progress reports, identifying solutions to major roadblocks. Additional reporting may also include summary reports of critical deliverables, identifying key achievements, and translating into sponsor-relevant language.
• Lead problem identification for resolutions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations/laws and institutional policies. This will include mentoring and serving as an example to research staff in the ethical conduct of research.
• Collaborate with investigators, project managers, and other study staff to manage project planning operations.
• Disseminate and translate research findings by preparation of peer-reviewed publications, reports for the public, sponsor briefings, and presentations.
• Serve as a representative on various committees and teams, making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the project.
• Develop and modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality to effectively achieve end results.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree with substantial research and publication record, with 8 years of experience and prior oversight of a cross-disciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a similar field.
• Professional and clear communication skills, project managerial experience, and applicable science and technology experience. Specific experience translating science for a broad audience would be a strength.
• Extraordinary organizational skills, ability to adapt to and manage a wide range of personalities/styles, and efficiency in communication and work styles.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Salary range is $160,000 - $165,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.