Project Manager

Project Manager

An exciting opportunity has been created for an enterprising Project Manager to join the Population, Neurodevelopment and Genetics (PNG) Program at the Survey Research Center (SRC) within the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research (ISR). The PNG Program currently consists of a growing number of scholars with funded research projects that link many different disciplinary perspectives, including developmental and clinical psychology, genetics, sociology, neuroscience, demography, public health, and education. For more details, please see pngprogram.com.

We are seeking a full-time Project Manager who will provide project management leadership for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded project: Environmental Exposures and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Cohort (Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI): Helen Meier).

In this role, you will manage project operations, timelines, communications, documentation, and coordination across multiple institutions and research teams. You will be responsible for ensuring project deliverables are completed on schedule, supporting efficient collaboration across study sites and co-investigators, and proactively identifying and resolving operational barriers. The Project Manager will also oversee key study activities related to biospecimen sample transfer, data sharing, chemical analysis documentation, IRB preparation, literature review support, manuscript and presentation preparation, and reporting to funders.

This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and support the successful execution of complex externally funded research projects.

Responsibilities*

What You'll Do

Project Management and Operations (50%)

You will manage day-to-day project operations and serve as a central point of contact for project activities. Responsibilities include:

• Lead project planning, implementation, and monitoring for NIH-funded research activities.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and work plans.
• Track progress across multiple project components and proactively identify delays, risks, or barriers.
• Coordinate communication among investigators, research team members, external collaborators, institutional partners, and/or vendors.
• Manage logistics and documentation related to biospecimen sample transfer, data sharing, and study site coordination.
• Organize and lead project meetings, including preparing agendas, tracking action items, documenting decisions, and ensuring follow-up.
• Establish and maintain project management systems, documentation workflows, shared files, and tracking tools.
• Support compliance with sponsor, institutional, and project-specific requirements.
• Coordinate annual NIH reporting activities, including gathering updates, tracking accomplishments, and organizing required materials.
• Assist project leadership with prioritization, decision-making, and implementation of project goals.
• Support manuscript, report, and presentation timelines by coordinating contributions from multiple team members.
• Ensure project activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and within expected timelines.

Research Related Tasks (25%)

You will manage and support research-related administrative activities for several externally funded research projects. Responsibilities include:

• Manage preparation, submission, and tracking of IRB applications, amendments, renewals, and related compliance documentation.
• Coordinate grant-related documentation, reporting materials, and administrative requirements.
• Support faculty and research staff with preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other scholarly products.
• Coordinate literature searches and reviews, including organizing references and tracking relevant research materials.
• Maintain accurate project records, including protocols, communications, approvals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Monitor research project requirements and ensure that documentation is complete, current, and accessible.
• Support communication with internal administrative units, external collaborators, and funding agencies as needed.
• Assist with the development and refinement of project workflows, standard operating procedures, and tracking systems.

Stakeholder Communication and Team Coordination (15%)

You will support effective collaboration across a multidisciplinary research team. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a liaison among faculty investigators, research staff, collaborators, administrative partners, and external organizations.
• Facilitate clear communication regarding project expectations, timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Prepare project updates, summaries, and status reports for investigators and other stakeholders.
• Help onboard new project team members by sharing project documentation, timelines, and procedures.
• Support a collaborative, inclusive, and organized team environment.
• Coordinate cross-team workflows to ensure alignment across scientific, administrative, and operational activities

Other Tasks (10%)

In addition to activities related to externally funded research, you will support broader program and faculty activities. Responsibilities include:

• Work with the team to maintain the project website and overall project web presence.
• Support activities related to faculty mentoring, program development, and research dissemination.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes, project workflows, and communication systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of project management and research administration.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• 2+ years of successful project management or study coordination experience
• Excellent and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects to deadline
• Careful attention to detail
• Ability to both work independently and as an effective team member
• Substantial experience with Microsoft Office suite of programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint), file sharing software (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox), scheduling tools (e.g. Doodle, Google Calendar), and communication tools (e.g. email, zoom)

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree
• Experience programming in R, Stata, SAS, and/or SQL
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PgMP, PfMP) or certification in clinical research coordination (e.g., CCRP, CRA), or an equivalent of either
• Strong interest in the topics of environmental health, epidemiology, ADRD, and/or aging research

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

You'll work on-site at the University of Michigan, Institute of Social Research, Survey Research Center in Ann Arbor, and we offer flexibility for hybrid work in this position within our overall Center guidelines.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where