Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

The University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry seeks a Research Project Manager for a substance use and mental health clinical trial in the Department of Psychiatry. The two-year study focuses on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults with co-occurring opioid use and depression. The project addresses one of Kentucky's most pressing public health challenges. This individual will provide project management and operational leadership under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI; Dr. Gopalkumar Rakesh) and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Responsibilities include planning and implementing the study protocol across recruitment clinics; coordinating participant screening, enrollment, and retention; managing and monitoring REDCap data collection for all study visits; monitoring study-related budget items; managing regulatory planning and IRB compliance under PI supervision; and coordinating study tasks with other team members. The Project Manager will also support development of study abstracts, manuscripts, and funder reports and other tasks related to the project as determined by the PI.

The ideal candidate will exhibit attention to detail, strong organizational and project management skills, experience working with vulnerable clinical populations, the ability to problem-solve complex situations, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Prior research experience is required, including a strong research coordination or project management track record; experience in behavioral health or substance use disorders is preferred.

The position will require regular, full-time, in-person work in Lexington, KY, with occasional evening work, depending on study visit schedules and participant availability. This position will be located in the Department of Psychiatry's research department, which is located near the Hamburg area of Lexington at 245 Fountain Ct., Lexington, KY, 40509. This off-campus location provides free onsite parking for employees and research subjects as well as the Department of Psychiatry's ambulatory clinic, primary care/urgent care clinic and a retail pharmacy that is accessible by patients, research subjects and employees.

This position is fully grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding and satisfactory performance. Position duration will coincide with the length of the grant unless additional funding becomes available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities - Excellent Microsoft Office skills including Teams; ability to troubleshoot basic software issues within Microsoft Office products; above average computer skills; project management skills and tracking of deadlines and project progress

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? - No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply - 08/30/2026

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