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Research Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Research and prepare operations, equipment, policies, procedures, and issue reports * Act as account manager or single point of contact with customers during project execution * Read and comprehend ...

Manage material, manpower, and processes of electrical projects. Purchase material, schedule work ... Research and prepare various reports pertaining to operations, equipment, policies, procedures, and ...

Project Manager - Mechanical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

... Research and prepare operations, equipment, policy, procedure, and/or other issue reports • Act as account manager or single point of contact with clients during project execution • Estimate ...

Project Manager - Mechanical

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... Research and prepare operations, equipment, policy, procedure, and/or other issue reports • Act as account manager or single point of contact with clients during project execution • Estimate ...

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Research Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$47K

$80.8K

$124K

How much do research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project manager in Iowa is $80,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in managing research teams or studies. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), data analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), and compliance certifications (like GCP) is typically required. Excellent organization, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure that complex research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with regulatory and scientific standards.

What is the difference between Research Project Manager vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Project ManagerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires project management certificationsBachelor's degree in related field; may require research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersAssists with daily research activities, data collection, and participant coordination
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, healthcare, and biotech companiesAcademic research labs, clinical trials, healthcare organizations

The Research Project Manager typically handles project planning, team management, and stakeholder communication, while the Research Coordinator focuses on supporting research activities, data collection, and participant management. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What do research project managers do?

Research project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of research projects, ensuring they meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets. They coordinate teams, manage resources, develop timelines, and communicate progress to stakeholders, often using project management tools and methodologies.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Project Managers when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Research Project Managers often coordinate teams comprising experts from various fields, which can present challenges related to communication, differing priorities, and aligning timelines. Successfully managing these dynamics requires strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and the ability to mediate between stakeholders to ensure everyone is working toward shared project goals. Regular check-ins, transparent progress tracking, and fostering a collaborative team culture can help mitigate these challenges and keep projects on schedule.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Research Project Managers in many industries can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications, and in high-demand sectors. Salaries vary based on location, organization size, and project complexity, with senior or specialized roles often reaching or exceeding this level.

What is the highest paying job in research?

In research, senior roles such as Principal Investigator, Research Director, or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science.

What does a Research Project Manager do?

A Research Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of research projects within organizations such as universities, nonprofits, or private companies. Their responsibilities include coordinating teams, managing budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and communicating progress to stakeholders. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and sometimes external partners, ensuring that project goals are met efficiently and effectively.

How much do research managers make in the US?

Research project managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
What are popular job titles related to Research Project Manager jobs in Iowa? For Research Project Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Research Project Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Research Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,806 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Project Manager - Industrial

Project Manager - Industrial

Baker Group

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

PURPOSE

The Industrial Project Manager create and develops relationships supportive of the Baker Group mission statement with employees, internal and external customers. Under limited supervision, this person will manage and administer the construction and delivery of Industrial Piping Projects. The Project Manager will work with Team from procurement, conception, design, budgeting, detailing, prefabrication, on-site coordination, quality control, and all aspects of contract management. Maintain and grow the “Customer for Life” concept for existing and new customers. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Manage material, manpower, and processes of Industrial Piping/Mechanical Projects
  • Work with Team in preconstructions activities of design, budgeting, delivery planning, and estimating mechanical pipe work
  • Manage project team through construction phases including scheduling, detailing, prefabrication, purchasing, field manpower, and contract sub-contractors to ensure projects are executed profitably, accurately, on-time, within contract scope and in alignment with customer expectations
  • Continuously develop relationships with existing customers and pursue opportunities which provide long-term customer relationships and revenue opportunities
  • Participate in planning and formulation of design alternatives and solutions for major construction projects; provide conceptual estimates, feasibility studies, and cost estimates, and may coordinate production of basic design plans and construction documents
  • Develop and administer project budgets and fiscal controls, contracts, and quality control provisions; perform project cost estimating and value engineering, as appropriate
  • Oversee all aspects of the day-to-day management of construction projects; monitor and coordinate work performed by architectural, engineering, and construction firms
  • Review and interpret proposed designs, architectural drawings, and building specifications for appropriateness to required function and/or institutional standard, and initiate revisions where appropriate; advise consultants and clients as to how best to achieve required results
  • Ensure that project operations are in compliance with design specifications
  • Establish performance and delivery criteria, ensuring that client requirements are being met; prepare project specifications, and coordinates procurement, as appropriate
  • Authorize issuance of contracts, purchase orders, and change orders, and approve contractor invoices for payment
  • Direct work sequencing to expedite project delivery and to minimize disruption of ongoing institutional operations
  • Inspect, approve, and accept completed projects for the company, ensuring conformance building and life safety codes, and architectural/engineering specifications
  • Represent Baker Group in business with customers, consultants, contractors, and other public and/or private agencies and organizations
  • Research and prepare operations, equipment, policies, procedures, and issue reports
  • Act as account manager or single point of contact with customers during project execution
  • Read and comprehend drawings, sketches, and contracts
  • Use computer estimating programs and accounting software programs
  • Ability to travel with occasional overnight for work out-of-area
  • Accurate daily time and equipment reporting

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Five+ years of experience directly related to duties and responsibilities specified in Industrial Piping Projects
  • Strong construction knowledge

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Valid driver’s license

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Good vision and hearing
  • Organization and communication skills
  • Knowledge of contract language
  • Crisis management skills as well as personnel management skills
  • Basic accounting knowledge
  • Computer skills
  • Problem solving and leadership skills
  • Ability to be flexible and multi-task
  • Moderately exposed to unusual elements and may require moderate physical activity
  • Willing and able to travel to Projects in different states for duration required by project

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift 20 pounds occasionally
  • Significant field and client interactions on construction job sites, which may require prolonged periods of standing, walking and/or climbing stairs
  • Occasional exposure to variety of temperature and weather conditions

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

  • Computer
  • Calculator
  • Tape measure
  • PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, Hi-Vis vest)


Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.