Research Project Manager

Department: Renaissance Computing Institute

Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF), Full-time (40 hours per week)

Location: North Carolina, US

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

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months

About the Role

RENCI is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to report to its Research Project Management Office. The position will contribute 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. This role will also lead collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units. The incumbent will aid in developing project management strategy, supporting business cases, and detailed project plans, while managing project execution to ensure adherence to leadership priorities, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Management: Utilize project task tracking tools and methods to oversee one or more project lifecycles. 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.
• Financial and Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Support budget development and monitoring, setting and tracking budgets as assigned.
  • Report budget or effort changes.
  • Assist with contracts and manage subawardee deliverables when needed.
  • Aid in the preparation and writing of funder reports and other sponsor communications.

Requirements

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

• 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.

Benefits

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