Research Project Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Data, AI, and Computing (DAC) Initiative at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a Research Project Manager to lead sponsored research portfolios and coordinate across colleges and external partners.

You will manage grant-funded projects, support large external proposals, and ensure timely deliverables and compliance with sponsor guidelines, in an on-site South Bend setting. This role demands collaboration, rigorous budgeting, and a commitment to the University's mission.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field; or Bachelor’s degree (5-year program) with certification.
• 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in an academic or research setting.

Responsibilities

• Management of grant-funded research projects.
• Oversee day-to-day coordination and administrative management of funded research.
• Coordinate across departments and with Notre Dame Research and other central offices.
• Track and report on deliverables and outcomes across multiple projects.
• Support the preparation of large external proposals.
• Manage administration of internally funded awards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Diversity awareness

Independent work

Teamwork

Mission alignment

Education

Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Science, or Engineering

Bachelor’s degree (5-year program) or advanced certification

Job description

Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a leading American research university that offers a distinctive voice in higher education. As a Catholic institution with a strong tradition of faith and intellectual inquiry, Notre Dame is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service to the common good.

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University is home to a vibrant campus community of students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing the University’s mission to be a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, renowned academic programs, and a deep commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace for those who seek to make a meaningful impact.

Job Description

The Data, AI, and Computing (DAC) Initiative at the University of Notre Dame works toward a future where data, AI, and computing serve the common good, bringing together research, education, and collaboration across the University to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. The Initiative unites research, education, infrastructure, and external engagement across colleges, centers, and disciplines, integrating three foundational units: the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, the Scientific AI Initiative, and the Deployment, Operations, Modeling, and Engineering (DOME) team of research software engineers and computational scientists. Through coordinated investment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-impact programs, the Initiative advances purposeful, responsible data, AI, and computing research and strengthens Notre Dame's leadership and global reach in the field.

The Research Project Manager (RPM) is a vital role focused on the management and execution of the Initiative's sponsored research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of grant-funded research projects

• Serve as the primary project manager for several grant-funded research projects across the Initiative, partnering with faculty Principal Investigators to develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and risk-mitigation strategies.
• Oversee day-to-day coordination and administrative management of funded research, including monitoring of spending against approved awards.
• Coordinate across departments and with Notre Dame Research and other central offices.
• Manage research team communication and resource allocation to keep projects on schedule and within scope.
• Track and report on deliverables and outcomes across multiple concurrent research projects.

Support the preparation of large external proposals

• Support the coordination and preparation of large, complex external proposals (e.g., multi-investigator, multi-institutional, or center-scale submissions) in collaboration with faculty leads.
• Translate complex sponsor requirements and proposal guidelines into actionable work plans and timelines for the proposal team.
• Coordinate contributions from multiple faculty, research staff, and partner institutions.
• Coordinate with Notre Dame Research and other proposal development teams to assemble complete, compliant, and competitive proposal packages that meet sponsor deadlines.

Management of internally-funded awards

• Manage administration of internally funded awards (e.g., seed grants, pilot funding) from setup through close-out.
• Monitor budget utilization and spending in collaboration with the DAC Initiative Business Operations Coordinator.
• Track progress toward milestones and ensure timely submission of interim and final reports.
• Coordinate with relevant University offices to ensure awards are administered in accordance with Initiative and University policy.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Science, or Engineering; or
• Bachelor’s degree (5-year program) or advanced certification beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Professional Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working in an academic or research setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strong attention to detail and operational excellence.
• Experience with project or program management.

Core Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with and strengthen the capacity of colleagues from culturally diverse backgrounds and across different project settings.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and team excellence.
• Commitment to the mission of the DAC Initiative and the University of Notre Dame.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Science, or Engineering.

Research, Grants, and Project Management

• Experience managing complex, multi-investigator research projects or grant proposals across distributed teams.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders on grant-funded projects.
• Experience with foundation and federal grant management.
• Familiarity with sponsored research administration processes and sponsor proposal guidelines, including those of NSF, NIH, and DOD.

Additional Information

This position is an on-site position in South Bend, Indiana.

The University ofNotreDameseeks 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,NotreDameprohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).Westronglyencourageapplicationsfrom candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.