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Contract Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xencor

Contract-Research Technician 1

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

We have an excellent opportunity for a Contractor-Research Technician 1 to join our team. This position is an on-site position at our Pasadena, CA. location Summary : On a contract basis, responsible ...

Deaconess

Research Contracts Admin

Evansville, IN · On-site

$19.14 - $26.79/hr

Review budget-related contract terms of feasible protocols with Administrative Director, Research. * Oversee the initial follow-up to sponsor/CRO for new clinical trial budgets; Initiate budget ...

Deaconess

Research Contracts Admin

Evansville, IN · On-site

Review budget-related contract terms of feasible protocols with Administrative Director, Research. * Oversee the initial follow-up to sponsor/CRO for new clinical trial budgets; Initiate budget ...

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a background in life sciences or a related field, strong research methodology knowledge, and often a relevant degree (such as a BSc or MSc). Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and data analysis tools like SPSS or SAS are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating studies and managing stakeholders. These abilities ensure high-quality, compliant research execution and reliable study outcomes within regulatory frameworks.

What is contract research?

Contract research refers to research services provided by an external organization, known as a Contract Research Organization (CRO), to other businesses, academic institutions, or government agencies. These services often include conducting clinical trials, laboratory testing, data analysis, or product development on a contractual basis. Contract research allows companies to access specialized expertise, reduce costs, and focus on their core activities while outsourcing complex or resource-intensive research tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract research roles and how can they be managed?

Professionals in contract research often navigate tight deadlines, shifting client requirements, and the need to maintain strict regulatory compliance. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously and communicating effectively with both internal teams and external sponsors can be demanding. Proactively managing workload, staying organized, and maintaining clear, consistent communication with stakeholders are key strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on industry regulations and leveraging project management tools can help ensure successful outcomes.
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Contract Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.
Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D

Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 303 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Job Description
Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D
GM Research & Development is seeking a Government & Contract Research and Development (CRAD) Lead to expand and manage a portfolio of externally funded research programs with U.S. and international government agencies, national laboratories, and contract research sponsors. This role is responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities, leading capture and proposal activities, and securing funding that advances GM R&D Research Programs and enterprise priorities. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the government R&D ecosystem, demonstrated success in capture management and proposal execution, and strong cross-functional leadership skills.
What You Will Do
Strategy & Portfolio Development
  • Develop and execute a multi-year external research funding strategy aligned to GM R&D Research Programs, technology roadmaps, and business priorities.
  • Translate R&D program objectives and results into clear, compelling value propositions for government and contract research sponsors.
  • Partner with Research Program Leads, Lab Group Managers, and R&D leadership to prioritize opportunities that accelerate technology research and transitions.

External Engagement & Ecosystem Leadership
  • Lead GM R&D engagement with government agencies, national laboratories, consortia, and other contract research sponsors (e.g., DoD, DOE, DOT, NHTSA, NSF, DARPA).
  • Build and sustain trusted relationships with program managers, contracting officers, and technical counterparts.
  • Represent GM R&D at industry days, technical interchange meetings, and sponsor workshops; synthesize and communicate insights.

Opportunity Identification, Capture & Proposal Leadership
  • Identify and assess RFPs, RFIs, OTAs, and other funding mechanisms for strategic and technical alignment.
  • Lead capture planning, including concept shaping, partner and competitor analysis, and development of win strategies.
  • Serve as CRAD lead for priority proposals, coordinating cross-functional teams through proposal development, compliance, review, pricing inputs, and submission.
  • Ensure proposals clearly articulate technical approach, schedule, risk management, IP/data rights, and measurable outcomes aligned with sponsor needs and GM strategy.
  • Assess opportunities identified by the broader R&D organization and integrate into the process. Make recommendations about if proposals should be pursued, including working with relevant Research Leads on assessing the viability and priority of the proposal.
  • Work closely with the government contracts and compliance organization as part of proposal preparation.

Award Transition, Governance & Reporting
  • Lead transition from award to execution, ensuring clear roles, deliverables, and reporting expectations.
  • Track funded project performance against technical, schedule, and financial milestones.
  • Ensure compliance with export control, data handling, security, and contracting requirements in coordination with Legal, IP, Export Compliance, and GM Defense.
  • Maintain and report status of the external research pipeline and portfolio to R&D leadership.

What You Need
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, public policy, business, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in government-funded R&D, defense or transportation research, or technology-focused business development/capture.
  • Demonstrated success leading and winning competitive government or contract research awards (e.g., DoD, DOE, DOT, NHTSA, NSF, DARPA).
  • Strong understanding of government R&D funding and acquisition mechanisms.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex capture and proposal efforts under tight deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including development of technical proposals and executive-level briefings.
  • Ability to build and sustain effective relationships with government sponsors and internal technical leaders.

Additional Skills and Experience
  • Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., MBA).
  • Experience with vehicle systems, mobility, safety, autonomy, defense, or advanced manufacturing research.
  • Prior experience working within or closely with U.S. government R&D organizations or major government contractors.
  • Active or prior U.S. government security clearance; ability to obtain a clearance as required.

Additional Information
  • This role is embedded within GM R&D and works closely with Research Program Leads, Lab Group Managers, and GM Defense.
  • Travel: up to 20-30% for sponsor meetings, reviews, and key external events.
  • Location: Warren, MI or Mountain View, CA (hybrid work arrangements may be considered consistent with GM policy).
  • Position may involve access to export-controlled information and government-sponsored programs; compliance with all regulatory requirements is mandatory.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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