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Lab Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Sourcing Manager Job Details * 3 Month Assignment * Location: Hybrid in Northbrook, IL ... Strong understanding of lab construction requirements and equipment specifications. * Proven ...

... project scopes, providing day-to-day technical guidance, and reviewing data quality and ... managing lab operations (equipment, supplies, calibration/maintenance coordination, sample ...

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Lab Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$99.5K

$157K

How much do lab project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab project manager in Illinois is $99,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $119,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Project Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory science, project management experience, and often a relevant degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis tools, and project management software like MS Project or Asana is typically required, along with certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma being advantageous. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are critical for coordinating teams and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. These competencies enable effective oversight of lab operations, quality control, and successful project delivery in a complex scientific environment.

What does a Lab Project Manager do?

A Lab Project Manager oversees scientific or technical projects within a laboratory setting. They are responsible for coordinating project activities, managing timelines and budgets, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring that all work complies with safety and regulatory standards. They may also supervise lab staff, procure equipment and supplies, and ensure that project objectives are met efficiently and accurately. Their role is crucial for keeping laboratory projects on track and achieving successful results.

What is the difference between Lab Project Manager vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab Project ManagerLab Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science, Project Management certification often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's in Science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, coordinates resourcesPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, maintains equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, healthcare, biotech companiesClinical labs, research institutions, manufacturing

The Lab Project Manager focuses on planning, coordinating, and overseeing laboratory projects, ensuring timely completion and resource management. In contrast, the Lab Technician handles the hands-on technical work, conducting experiments and maintaining lab equipment. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ significantly in responsibilities and required skills.

How does a Lab Project Manager typically coordinate between research teams and external stakeholders?

A Lab Project Manager serves as a central point of communication, ensuring that both research teams and external stakeholders are aligned on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. This often involves organizing regular meetings, providing project updates, and managing documentation to track progress. The role requires balancing scientific objectives with practical constraints, such as budgets and regulatory requirements. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential to effectively facilitate collaboration and resolve any issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Project Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,501 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$63K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: MED-Physical Med & Rehab
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Target hiring range for this position will be between $63,079-$78,849 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:
Manages all activities associated with biomedical &/or social-behavioral research studies considered very complex by the inclusion of several of the following: multiple investigators, teams, sites, sub-contracts, participants, longitudinal assessments/ interventions; &/or multi-million dollar budgets. Ensures completion of contract requirements & client specifications. Oversees day-to-day operations including identifying & securing needed resources; creating, implementing, monitoring, & updating project plans; facilitating meetings with appropriate parties; tracking tasks/deliverables to ensure timelines, milestones &/or goals are attained; monitoring & reporting progress as appropriate; & resolving or escalating issues in a timely manner. May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Please note:
Supervisor provides objectives & deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective & deadlines & overall compliance with policy & procedures. EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters, &/or far-reaching implications.
Specific Responsibilities:
Technical
  • Provides complex scientific & technical leadership in determining research priorities & the plan, design & execution of research projects ensuring that programs of investigation meet specified objectives.
  • Plans, develops & implements new processes & protocols to support research studies & maximize/extend study capabilities.
  • Oversees completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with nursing staff and Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's treatment and test schedules.
  • Ensures that study protocols are in compliance with appropriate rules & regulations & reviews study progress and recommends revisions, amendments, and/or other study changes as necessary to better meet needs of sponsors. Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures. Closely monitors & documents patient's adverse events; partners with nursing staff in modifying dosages, tests & treatment schedule.
  • Reviews scientific literature & evaluates & recommends applicable techniques & procedures.
Administrative
  • Analyzes, evaluates & interprets data to determine relevance to research.
  • Assists PI in developing statistical methods & models to analyze & report data based upon study requirements.
  • Prepares results & may co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & disseminates information via seminars, lectures, etc.
  • Creates data for use in grant submission & develop new proposals for research including obtaining financial support.
  • Acts as liaison between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.
  • Ensures that all study documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols are completed in a timely manner.
Data
  • Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives. Partners with internal/external project and IT staff to create, review, analyze, interpret, summarize and prepare progress & final reports.
  • Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.
Finance
  • May create &/or manage research study budget which may include deciding on & approving expenditures of funds based on budget.
  • Monitors accounts.
  • Negotiates prices & specifications with vendors.
  • Purchases supplies, materials, equipment & services.
  • Ensures appropriate allocation & compliance.
  • Invoices study sponsors for study tests/procedures.
  • Coordinates & participates in budgetary negotiations with industry sponsors.
Supervision
  • Trains, directs, assigns duties to & may supervise lab EEs, students, residents &/or fellows.
  • Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior coordinators.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 5 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' research study or other relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or project management experience required.
  • Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Experience with financial systems and reports, particularly with regard to clinical trials and interactions with federal and non-federal sponsors
  • Knowledge of clinical trial operations and management, either in recruitment and/or coordination
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience in clinical research fields
  • Knowledge of GCP
Preferred Qualifications:
  • BA/BS degree required with Masters degree preferred
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Knowledge of REDCap, NU systems
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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