Research Project Manager

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

RENCI at UNC Chapel Hill is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to join the Research Project Management Office. You will oversee NIH/NSF-funded projects and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver complex research outcomes on schedule and within budget.

Responsibilities include planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and maintaining project artifacts, with emphasis on rigorous documentation and alignment with sponsor requirements.

Qualifications

• Ability to independently draft project plans, milestones, deliverables and timelines.
• Lead complex project initiatives, develop and implement program strategies, and manage multiple projects.
• Proven ability to lead and participate in technical conversations.
• Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes.
• Familiarity with project management tools including Jira, Confluence, GitHub and Monday.com.
• Understanding of Agile metrics (backlog tracking, burndown, velocity) to improve sprint planning.
• Experience with federally funded projects (preferred).
• CSM or equivalent certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Utilize project task tracking tools to oversee one or more project lifecycles.
• Identify internal improvements and develop plans for updated processes.
• Schedule and run effective meetings; track deliverables and action items.
• Maintain and update project tracking tools and SOPs; prepare sponsor reports.
• Engage internal/external stakeholders to drive project outcomes and ensure communications.

Skills

Project management

Agile / Scrum

Stakeholder engagement

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

CSM or equivalent certification (preferred)

Experience with federally funded projects (preferred)

Tools

Jira

Confluence

GitHub

Monday.com

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Renaissance Computing Inst - 637100

Career Area: Research Professionals

Application Deadline: 10/13/2026

Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF)

Position Title: Research Project Manager

Position Number: 20076111

Vacancy ID: N000857

Full-time/Part-time

FTE: 1

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $83,000

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art? At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn’t just about solving known problems – it’s about expanding human potential by unlocking data.

We Need Innovators, Builders, Strategists, Technologists, Architects, And Creative Thinkers Across All Domains To Drive This Work Forward. When You Join Our Team, You’ll

• Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
• Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
• Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

We know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.

Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.

Position Summary

RENCI is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to report to its Research Project Management Office. The position will be responsible for contributing to the management of one or more highly complex research and team science coordination projects funded by NIH, NSF, or other federal and state government organizations and/or leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units.

Incumbent will aid in the development of project management strategy, supporting business cases, and detailed project plans. This role will manage project execution to ensure adherence to leadership priorities, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes while guaranteeing the quality of project deliverables.

Incumbent will manage day-to-day operations for assigned projects in collaboration with RENCI leadership. Responsibilities include scheduling and meeting facilitation; taking notes; capturing and tracking action items; communicating with applicable teams; engaging staff to drive outcomes; and fostering strong teamwork among internal and external stakeholders.

This position will create and maintain project tracking tools, track project deliverables, and maintain project documents and artifacts. The incumbent will also identify, monitor, and address project risks and escalation issues as appropriate. Financial and administrative responsibilities include supporting budget development and monitoring, setting and tracking budgets as assigned, reporting budget or effort changes, assisting with contracts and managing subawardee deliverables when needed, and aiding in the preparation and writing of funder reports and other sponsor communications.

Incumbent should be a highly motivated, detail-oriented strategic thinker, a collaborative team player, and a demonstrated problem solver with a proven ability to make sound decisions independently and in partnership with leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning and Management

• Utilize project task tracking tools and methods to oversee one or more projects lifecycle.
• Recognize opportunities for internal improvement and develop plans for implementing updated or new processes and methods to facilitate project outcomes.

Supporting deliverable execution

• Schedule and run effective, efficient meetings.
• Work closely and confidently with research project staff to track and ensure successful completion of prioritized project deliverables. Help propose, initiate and develop activities to meet project goals (e.g. workstream or tiger team formation, webinars, office hours, educational resources).

Risk management

• Help identify and put plans in place to address potential project risks and challenges.
• Ensure broad awareness of project risks and recommend risk mitigation measures to minimize impact to project operations and outcomes.

Reporting, tracking, and standard operating procedures

• Maintain and update project tracking tools. Provide content for or prepare complete reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and project scope.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain project documentation. Update and develop new SOPs as needed.

Internal/External Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships.
• Understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders.
• Assist with the research, development, and execution of proposals including internal and external communications (written and oral) and client engagement.
• Constructively engage research project staff to facilitate project outcomes.
• Edit and analyze scientific and technical informational materials or content.
• Write according to correct English usage and appropriate style guide or accepted industry standards.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Ability to independently draft project plans, milestones, deliverables and timelines.

Ability to lead complex project initiatives, develop and implement program strategies, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Proven ability to lead and participate in technical conversations.

Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes.

Familiarity with a range of project management tools, particularly online tools including Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), GitHub and Monday.com.

Understanding of Agile metrics (tasks, backlog tracking, burndown metrics, velocity, user stories etc.) to analyze and improve sprint planning.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Three years’ experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization. CSM or equivalent certification.

Experience with federally funded projects.

Experience using project management skills and tools in an academic setting and/or a background in education.

Experience with software development teams.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/318576

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.