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Research Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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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, K-12 Education

Project Manager, K-12 Education

DLR Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you're in the right place.
We have an opening for a K-12 Education Project Manager. This role can be based in the following cities:
  • Des Moines, Iowa

About K-12 Education at DLR Group:
Our team of educators, researchers, anthropologists, planners, architects, engineers, building performance experts, and interior designers draw from evidence-based design to aid schools in bridging the gap from old and new to improve all facets of operations, and elevate learning through design. Understanding the rapid pace of technological, social, and cultural change, our K-12 Education Studio works with schools across the country to navigate this change to better serve communities and improve educational experiences and outcomes for students.
Position Summary:
As a Project Manager at DLR Group, you will oversee all aspects of one or more projects, including managing project teams, coordinating with external consultants, and ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and fees. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of quality and design excellence throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, you will be accountable for the financial success of the project, ensuring it remains on track and within budget.
If you are a collaborative thought leader with a strategic mindset this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you'll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.
What you will do:
  • Support business development by participating in RFQ, RFP, and interview processes
  • Assist in negotiating scope of services, fees, and preparing agreements with both clients and consultants
  • Ensure accurate input and updates of client and project information into project management systems
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including schedules, milestones, and staffing, and adjust as needed
  • Lead and coordinate project teams, vendors, and consultants to meet client expectations for scope, quality, budget, and schedule
  • Monitor and track project milestones, deliverables, and ensure submittals meet quality standards
  • Communicate project status reports, identify necessary adjustments, and propose solutions for client-directed changes
  • Provide leadership, performance feedback, and contribute to recruitment of project team members
  • Establish clear communication with clients to ensure project progress and timely decisions are made
  • Collaborate with design leaders to ensure compliance with quality standards and integrate design expertise into all project phases

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Interior Design
  • Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, including 5+ years as a project manager
  • Proficient in Vantagepoint, Planifi, INDEPRO, and Microsoft Suite (including Project)
  • High proficiency in standard A/E/I/P software
  • Strong working knowledge of design techniques, tools, and sustainable design principles for producing technical plans, drawings, and models
  • Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills with the ability to multitask while maintaining high-quality standards
  • Working knowledge of local building and zoning codes

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional licensure

*TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*
DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.
We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients' success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Through our values - commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork - we elevate the human experience through design, together.
DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.