Contract Research Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Project Manager provides comprehensive operational leadership for a multidisciplinary vision research program within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This position oversees complex research studies focused on diabetic eye disease and vision science, manages an internationally utilized ocular tissue biorepository, coordinates collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, eye banks, and investigators, and ensures regulatory compliance throughout the research lifecycle. The successful candidate serves as the central operational liaison among investigators, research staff, external collaborators, and institutional offices while supporting the continued growth of innovative translational research initiatives.
Responsibilities*
Lead day-to-day management of multiple complex research projects from initiation through closeout.
Coordinate project timelines, milestones, budgets, deliverables, and sponsor reporting requirements.
Manage operations for a nationally and internationally utilized ocular tissue biorepository.
Coordinate procurement, processing, tracking, storage, and distribution of human biospecimens.
Facilitate collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, eye banks, and external investigators.
Develop and maintain project documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), study trackers, and operational workflows.
Monitor compliance with institutional policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIPAA, and sponsor requirements.
Coordinate Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), research contracts, and collaborator onboarding.
Prepare scientific progress reports and project updates for investigators, sponsors, and collaborators.
Facilitate multidisciplinary meetings and communicate project status to investigators and leadership.
Maintain research databases and ensure high-quality data management practices.
Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain project timelines.
Train and supervise research personnel on project operations and regulatory requirements.
Support strategic planning and expansion of collaborative research initiatives.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, or a related field.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research, translational research, or research administration.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex research projects simultaneously.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience developing project timelines and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and research database management.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with investigators, team-members and external partners.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree (MPH, MHA, MS, MBA, or related discipline).
PMP, CCRP, CCRC, or other professional project management or clinical research certification.
Experience managing foundation-funded, industry-sponsored, or investigator-initiated research.
Experience supporting biospecimen repositories or translational research programs.
Experience with human subjects research regulations and IRB submissions.
Knowledge of MTAs, DUAs, research contracts, and collaborative research agreements.
Experience supervising or mentoring research personnel.
Experience supporting multicenter or international research collaborations.
Familiarity with ophthalmology, diabetes research, vision science, or biomedical research operations.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

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 .
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. 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 equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281251
Working Title
Project Associate Manager
Job Title
Project Associate Manager
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Ophthal. & Visual Science
Posting Begin/End Date
8/05/2026 - 8/19/2026
Career Interest
Administration