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Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL

DecisionPoint | Cortek

Program Manager

North Chicago, IL · On-site

The Program Manager will serve as the contractor's single point of contact and authorized interface ... Establish, implement, and enforce work standards, operational procedures, and quality expectations ...

DecisionPoint | Cortek

Program Manager

North Chicago, IL · On-site

The Program Manager will serve as the contractor's single point of contact and authorized interface ... Establish, implement, and enforce work standards, operational procedures, and quality expectations ...

Foxhole Technology

Program Manager

Chicago, IL

Our talented employee-owners provide agile, scalable services and solutions that solve operational ... The Program Manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team delivering comprehensive IT services, ...

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Program Manager Research Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.2K

$112.8K

$163.3K

How much do program manager research operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager research operations in Chicago, IL is $112,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Manager Research Operations?

Program Manager Research Operations are professionals who oversee and coordinate the administrative and operational aspects of research programs within organizations such as universities, corporations, or healthcare institutions. Their responsibilities typically include managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, supporting research teams, and improving efficiency in research processes. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and external partners to ensure projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals. Program Managers in Research Operations play a critical role in enabling scientific and academic research by providing strategic and logistical support.

What is the difference between Program Manager Research Operations vs Research Coordinator?

AspectProgram Manager Research OperationsResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in related field, project management certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in a relevant field, research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, collaborates with teams, manages budgetsSupports research projects, handles data collection, assists with study logistics
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, academiaResearch labs, clinical settings, academic institutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in research operationsDetails on research support roles and coordination tasks

The Program Manager Research Operations typically oversees multiple research projects, manages teams, and handles budgets, requiring project management skills. In contrast, a Research Coordinator focuses on supporting specific research studies, managing data collection, and logistical tasks. Both roles are essential in research environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Manager Research Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager Research Operations, you need expertise in research administration, project management, and budget oversight, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in research environments. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project), research compliance systems, and grant management platforms is typically essential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and effective communication enable collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient research operations, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes.

What are the main challenges Program Managers in Research Operations typically face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers in Research Operations often encounter challenges related to aligning diverse stakeholders, balancing multiple project timelines, and ensuring smooth communication between research, product, and operations teams. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining research quality and compliance. Regularly facilitating meetings, setting clear expectations, and using project management tools help mitigate these challenges and ensure collaborative progress.
What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Manager Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Program Manager Research Operations jobs near you

Quantitative Research Operations Analyst

Mesirow Financial

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture. We are proud of our employee-owned culture, built on collaboration and shared success, empowering our professionals to develop meaningful relationships, pursue growth opportunities and make a lasting impact for our clients and communities. Mesirow has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business multiple times and is one of Barron’s Top 100 RIA firms.

The Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division provides fiduciary partnership, investment management, asset allocation, and guaranteed retirement income product allocation services to institutional clients in the financial services industry, primarily in the defined contribution space.  Recent growth in investment management and retirement income opportunities has created a need for additional research capacity.

The role of the Quantitative Research Operations Analyst is to work with the Chief Investment Officer/Director of Quantitative Research to provide multi-purpose research support for the group’s investment management priorities. The role will initially be operationally focused, with the opportunity to grow into a full quantitative research analyst position responsible for new quantitative financial process development and client engagements. Areas of focus include strategic asset allocation and capital market assumptions; understanding, operating, and improving existing quantitative financial processes; and assisting in the development of new quantitative financial processes. This is a quantitative research operations role that involves substantial programming expertise and requires exceptional attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

  • Learn and further document existing quantitative financial processes, including strategic asset allocation, capital market assumptions, performance attribution, target date glide path development, and a simulation-based optimization framework for portfolio construction with guaranteed retirement income products.
  • Spearhead the operation of these processes to update ongoing internal and client deliverables and further enhance and improve these processes as business needs dictate.
  • Assist in the development of new quantitative financial processes to support strategic asset allocation, capital market assumption, performance attribution, and glide path construction initiatives, using statistical analysis, risk management techniques and simulation methods.
  • Meet with investment professionals within the Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division to interpret analysis results and recommend changes in investment policy in response to the results.
  • Apply complex financial theory to help provide solutions to real-world problems.

Requirements:

  • An advanced degree in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, financial engineering, or a related field is preferred, but B.S. holders with the required professional experience will be considered.
  • CFA charter holder or progress toward the CFA preferred.
  • 1-3 years of professional experience in quantitative financial research or a related field (asset allocation, capital market assumptions development, quantitative analysis, financial engineering, investment research) within the financial services industry is required.
  • Compensation is variable and commensurate with professional experience and education level.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail is paramount.
  • Significant programming experience, preferably in R, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel are required. MATLAB experience is a plus.
  • Knowledge and experience in strategic asset allocation, capital market assumption development, optimization methods, statistical/econometric analysis and modeling and Monte Carlo simulation are desirable. Knowledge of annuity products is a plus.
  • Ability to convert academic research concepts into practical solutions for use by other members of the team.
  • Ability to communicate complex financial concepts effectively to internal clients and previous internal client-facing experience desired. 
  • Ability to work independently and interact with all levels within the organization. 
  • Superior skills in organization, time management, prioritization, research and self-motivation.
  • Desire to grow and thrive in a highly entrepreneurial environment.

In accordance with the Illinois Pay Transparency Law, the anticipated hiring base salary for the role will be between $90,000 and $180,000 per year. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, also provides the opportunity for a bonus and the Mesirow benefit program.

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