Research Operations Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The Research Operations Manager (ROM) serves as the operational foundation of the Mendoza Research Team, ensuring that personnel, processes, and resources align effectively to support faculty research. Rather than acting as a traditional project manager, the ROM functions as an operational enabler who identifies procedural friction, eliminates organizational obstacles, and establishes the infrastructure required for researchers and staff to achieve peak performance.

The ROM assumes responsibility as the core facilitator of the active project portfolio. This includes providing high level oversight of the behavioral research laboratory infrastructure without managing the day to day execution of individual experiments. The ROM operates with a high degree of independence, applies a solutions oriented mindset to diverse operational challenges, and collaborates directly with administrative offices across the University on behalf of the Mendoza Research Team and faculty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Hub and Portfolio Management: Serve as the central point of coordination for MRT, integrating people, processes, and resources to optimize workflow efficiency. Upon project initiation by the Director, the ROM tracks the comprehensive research portfolio, evaluates project alignment, establishes start and completion timelines, and allocates resources to maximize team productivity. The ROM introduces structure to daily operational complexities, enabling the team to deliver research support with elevated clarity and coordination.

• Procurement and Fiscal Oversight: Direct procurement and fiscal operations in support of MRT activities. Responsibilities include coordinating the acquisition of resources, licenses, datasets, and contracts through University procurement systems. The ROM manages vendor relationships and inventory, maintains the online research portal, monitors budgets, reviews and verifies expenditures, processes billing and journal voucher transfers.

• Participant Ecosystem and Growth: Build and continually expand the participant pool that powers the Behavioral Lab, treating access to research participants as a core asset to be grown rather than a fixed resource. The ROM develops new participant channels, cultivates relationships with companies, community organizations, and external partners to broaden and diversify recruitment, and evaluates emerging platforms and recruitment models that increase the Lab's reach. This is an inherently creative and opportunity-seeking part of the role.

• Strategic Reporting: Develop periodic reports for the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research that summarizes MRT activity. The ROM translates operational and research data into clear, decision-ready insights, producing materials that inform strategic discussions at the Senior Leadership.

Qualifications

Education: BA/BS (4 years); advanced degree preferred

Experience: 5–6 years of relevant experience in research administration, project management, or operations; previous work in higher education research is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate to a diverse audience
• Ability to interface effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
• Strong operational leadership and project portfolio management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent priorities
• Data-informed decision-making and process improvement capabilities
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Monday.com or equivalent
• Knowledge of University systems, offices, processes, policies, and procedures
• Proficient in programming (R or Python) preferred
• Excellent understanding of the research and publication process

Supplemental Qualifications (Licenses, Certifications, etc.)

PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.

Additional Information

Compensation: Starting at $80,000, commensurate with experience

This position will be accepting applications July 22, 2026.

The University of Notre Dame seeks 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, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.