Research Project Manager, Cardiology

Manages all activities associated with complex biomedical and/or social-behavioral research studies, including multiple investigators, teams, sites, sub-contracts, participants, longitudinal assessments/interventions, and/or multi-million dollar budgets. Ensures completion of contract requirements and client specifications. Oversees day-to-day operations, including securing resources, implementing project plans, facilitating meetings, tracking deliverables, monitoring progress, and resolving issues. May co-author scientific papers and coordinate grant writing and administration. Ensures compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP), local, state, and federal laws, and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Technical
  • Provides scientific and technical leadership in determining research priorities, planning, designing, and executing complex research projects.
  • Develops and implements new processes and protocols to support research studies and extend capabilities.
  • Oversees study activities per protocol, ensuring compliance with regulations; recommends revisions or amendments as needed.
  • Reviews scientific literature and evaluates applicable techniques and procedures.
  • Assists in developing statistical methods and models for data analysis and reporting.
  • Prepares results and may co-author scientific papers for presentation and publication.
  • Creates data for grant submissions and develops new research proposals, including obtaining financial support.
  • Acts as liaison between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations, and other institutions.
  • Ensures timely completion of study documents in compliance with regulatory guidelines and protocols.
• Administrative
  • Analyzes, evaluates, and interprets data to determine research relevance.
  • Disseminates information via seminars, lectures, and other forums.
• Finance
  • May create and manage research study budgets, including approving expenditures, monitoring accounts, and negotiating with vendors.
  • Purchases supplies, materials, equipment, and services; ensures appropriate allocation and compliance.
  • Invoices study sponsors for tests and procedures.
  • Coordinates and participates in budgetary negotiations with industry sponsors.
• Supervision
  • Trains, directs, assigns duties to, and may supervise lab employees, students, residents, and/or fellows.
  • Acts as a mentor for junior coordinators.
• Miscellaneous
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in social/health science or related field, or appropriate combination of education and experience, plus 5 years of research study or relevant experience; or
• Master’s or higher degree in social/health science or related field, or appropriate combination of education and experience, plus 3 years of research study or relevant experience.
• Supervisory or project management experience required.
• Must complete Northwestern’s IRB CITI training before interacting with participants and re-certify every 3 years.
• Ability to successfully complete the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Research Access Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four or more years of clinical research experience, including direct interaction with study participants and/or program coordination.
• Experience overseeing multicenter research studies or clinical trials within an academic institution, CRO, or public/private sponsor environment.
• Experience mentoring or guiding early-career staff and/or trainees.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent training/experience.
• Knowledge of medical research publication processes, including journal submission requirements and authorship conventions.
• Skill or knowledge in biostatistics, programming, and/or project management.

Preferred Competencies

• Action-oriented and proactive in addressing challenges.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Facilitates collaboration and effective communication within and outside the team.
• Approachable, respectful, and builds strong working relationships.
• Demonstrates initiative, energy, and ambition in achieving goals.
• Consistently meets deadlines and manages multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and plans for contingencies.
• Communicates strategically to achieve objectives.
• Solves problems effectively by formulating realistic plans and contingencies.
• Mentors and develops team members for current and future roles.

Pay

Target hiring range for this position is between $63,080 - $81,320 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market alignment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick leave, and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Retirement savings options.
• Wellness programs.
• Work-life programs, including flexible work arrangements, childcare, and senior/adult care support.
• Professional growth and development resources, including career development and continuing education tools.