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Research Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Key responsibilities: manage the day-to-day tasks necessary to carry out the research project, coordinate and facilitate all research and operational activities, including oversight of recruiting ...

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Research Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49.7K

$85.6K

$131.3K

How much do research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project manager in Chicago, IL is $85,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $91,000.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Research Project jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Research Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Research Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,559 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

$73K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD MED - Infectious Diseases - Chicago Center HIV Elimination - Health Care


About the Department

The Chicago Center of HIV Elimination, embedded within the University of Chicago's main campus in Hyde Park, is located in Chicago's HIV epicenter. Of the 20 neighborhoods in the city with high annual HIV diagnosis rates (greater than 40 per 100,000), 13 of them are no more than eight miles from the University of Chicago. This area includes 4 of the 6 communities with the highest annual diagnosis rates in the city (Washington Park, West Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and South Shore). Our position within the hardest hit neighborhoods in Chicago provides unique opportunities to advance HIV testing and prevention interventions locally, providing tangible results to those most affected and to improve the lives of those living with and without HIV infection.
CCHE seeks to eliminate new HIV transmission events over the next 30 years (from 2011 to 2041) by using network science to target and integrate prevention as well as create structural and community-specific interventions.


Job Summary

Research Project Manager performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The Research Project Manager will work closely with a physician-led team of investigators and educators on grants focused on HIV prevention and HIV care continuum outcomes. The Research Project Manager will serve as the main project contact for partner organizations and clinical sites across multiple research projects. They will also oversee and manage other staff including but not limited to medical students and undergraduate research assistants. The Research Project Manager should have experience with research on HIV prevention interventions for Black cis and transgender women, electronic health record-based health interventions, health systems-based interventions, pragmatic trials, development of provider tools and patient education materials, qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians, implementation science, developing and analyses of user-centered designed interview, and engaging community partners.
This is a grant funded position.

Responsibilities

  • Supports a portfolio of projects that may include rigorous social science evaluations and technical assistance data analysis projects; assists project team members, PIs, external partners, and stakeholders to push projects forward and achieve research goals.

  • Provide support to the principal investigator and research team by recruiting subjects, designing surveys, planning and conducting individual and focus group interviews, and collecting and analyzing some qualitative and quantitative data, as necessary.

  • Assists with the coordination of research activities, communications with partner agencies, and managing project deliverables.

  • Assists in writing grant proposals and preparing presentations targeting both policymakers and academic audiences.

  • Writes human subjects permission protocols and amendments for IRB permission, and obtains other research permits as needed.

  • Documents discussions and research activities with detailed notes and project logs.

  • Work independently and within teams on special non-recurring and ongoing projects.

  • Conducts thorough and critical reviews of relevant literature.

  • Assists with data collection, management, randomization, and analysis including cleaning and assembling the files for data analysis, and conducts field research as needed.

  • Prepares sections of research results, including proofing, formatting and creating tables and graphs.

  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

  • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

  • Accountable for all tasks in moderately complex clinical studies.

  • Uses knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples with a limited to moderate degree of independence. Contributes to the problem solving on assigned clinical research studies and tasks.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications


Education:

  • Advanced degree in public health, health administration, or other health-related field.

Experience:

  • Experience in conducting clinical research studies.

  • Experience managing Institutional Review Board processes.

Preferred Competencies

  • Analytical skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong problem-solving skills.

  • Highly self-motivated.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Strong ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Ability to train and supervise others, including students, volunteers, and other support staff.

  • Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

  • Ability to exercise discretion regarding confidential project matters.

  • Demonstrated computer literacy and computing skills sufficient for effective use of diverse managerial and administrative computer applications, technical writing, word processing, and spreadsheets.

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

  • Working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data analysis software (SAS or R).

  • Working knowledge of REDCap.

  • Experience with electronic health records (Epic).

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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