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Research Project Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Research Clinical Coordinator

Austin, TX · On-site

$55K/yr

Monitor and report on progress of projects. * Assist with the recruitment, selection, scheduling, and monitoring of research project participants. Manage the handling of adverse events, compliance ...

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All JobsResearch Project JobsResearch Project Jobs in Austin, TX

Research Project information

See Austin, TX salary details

$49.6K

$85.3K

$130.8K

How much do research project jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project in Austin, TX is $85,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research project?

Research projects are structured investigations designed to answer specific questions or solve problems within a particular field of study. They typically involve defining a research question, conducting a literature review, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting findings. Research projects can be undertaken in academic, scientific, or professional settings and may contribute to new knowledge, policy recommendations, or practical solutions. These projects often require collaboration, critical thinking, and adherence to ethical standards.

What are some common challenges faced when managing a research project team, and how can they be overcome?

Managing a research project team often involves balancing diverse skillsets, coordinating schedules across disciplines, and ensuring clear communication among members. One frequent challenge is aligning everyone’s priorities and timelines, particularly when team members have varying backgrounds or external commitments. Overcoming these challenges typically involves setting clear objectives, holding regular check-ins, and fostering an open, collaborative environment where feedback is encouraged. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining thorough documentation can also help ensure tasks are tracked and progress remains transparent for all team members.

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, data analysis, and subject-specific research methods, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management software (such as Microsoft Project or Asana), statistical analysis tools (like SPSS or R), and compliance protocols (such as IRB processes) is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, critical thinking, and clear communication help coordinate teams and stakeholders effectively. These competencies are essential to ensure research projects are completed on time, within scope, and with scientific rigor.

What is the difference between Research Project vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch ProjectResearch Assistant
CredentialsVaries; often requires advanced degrees or specialized trainingTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentIndependent or team-based research settings, labs, or field sitesSupportive role within research teams, assisting with data collection and analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, labs, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for project scope and responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level research roles and support tasks

The main difference between a Research Project and a Research Assistant is that a Research Project refers to the overall research initiative, often led by principal investigators, while a Research Assistant is a supporting role within that project, assisting with specific tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job responsibilities and career pathways in research environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Research Project jobs in Austin, TX are:

Research Project jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Project job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,275 per year, or $41 per hour.

R&D Project Manager - Materials

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN INC

Austin, TX • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage scope, schedule, and budget across multiple R&D projects.

  • Supervise and mentor a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, and support their professional growth.

  • Apply technical knowledge in polymers, materials science, and related activities to guide research, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure scientific quality.

Job description

Description

About TRI Austin

TRI Austin, Inc. is a small business with a 50-year history as a first-class materials science and applied research and development firm. We are a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team engaged in cutting-edge research spanning organic synthesis, formulations chemistry, polymer science, and a wide array of innovative programs. We pride ourselves on our intellectually stimulating environment, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence.


As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Supervising Project Manager who brings both strong technical fluency and proven leadership skills to help drive our research and development programs forward.


Role Summary

We are seeking a senior, hands-on materials scientist who will serve as both a project manager and laboratory supervisor. This role blends technical execution with day-to-day project leadership: you will manage scope, schedule, and budget across multiple R&D projects; supervise and mentor a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians; produce and deliver high-quality technical reports and presentations to internal and external sponsors (including DoD); and ensure laboratory safety and quality practices. The ideal candidate has a strong background in polymers/materials, excels at scientific documentation and briefings, and is comfortable coordinating people and resources in a fast-paced lab environment.


Key Responsibilities:

  • People leadership and lab supervision
  • Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 4-8 scientists/engineers/technicians; set goals, provide feedback, and support professional growth.
  • Plan staffing and priorities across projects to balance workloads and meet milestones.
  • Establish and enforce SOPs, quality practices, and EHS standards; promote 5S and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
  • Project planning and execution
  • Lead end-to-end management of multiple concurrent R&D projects, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, risk tracking, and milestone burn-downs.
  • Maintain integrated project schedules, track progress against deliverables, and drive on-time, on-budget execution.
  • Coordinate cross-functional contributors, subcontractors, and vendors; oversee procurements and equipment utilization.
  • Technical execution (materials/polymers)
  • Apply technical knowledge in chemistry, polymer science, or materials science to provide informed guidance on R&D activities, troubleshoot project challenges, and ensure scientific quality and integrity.
  • Guide formulation, processing, and testing of polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, and elastomers from concept through bench-scale validation and pilot-scale demonstration.
  • Oversee characterization and data interpretation (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, FTIR, mechanical testing).
  • Apply basic DoE/statistical approaches and root-cause analysis to accelerate learning and de-risk scale-up.
  • Technical reporting, documentation, and presentations
  • Own preparation of monthly/quarterly status reports and final technical reports; ensure accuracy, clarity, and rigor in data, figures, and analyses.
  • Build sponsor-ready slide decks and deliver technical briefings to customers (e.g., DoD).
  • Enforce configuration control, data traceability, and compliance with client templates and internal document standards.
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and data packages to support reproducibility and audits.
  • Stakeholder communication and contract support
  • Serve as a point of contact for project communications with sponsors and internal leadership.
  • Support proposal and contract activities (e.g., contributing sections, drafting schedules, budgets, and deliverables), with emphasis on compliant, high-quality documentation.
  • Ensure adherence to government and customer reporting requirements and internal QA processes.


 TRI Austin, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements

Key Qualifications:

  • Education: MS or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Experience:
  • 5+ years of relevant post-degree R&D experience in materials-focused environments; or 3+ years with a PhD.
  • 2+ years managing R&D scope/schedule/budget for multi-disciplinary teams.
  • 1+ year of direct supervision or team leadership in a laboratory setting.
  • Technical and communication skills:
  • Hands-on laboratory experience in polymer/materials processing and characterization. 
  • Familiarity with chemical formulation, polymer synthesis, adhesives and coatings, composites, and structure-property relationships.
  • Exceptional technical writing skills with demonstrated experience producing sponsor-ready reports and presentations.
  • Strong oral presentation skills and experience briefing technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Word for structured technical reports; PowerPoint for sponsor briefings; Excel for data/figures); familiarity with project tools and collaboration/document systems (e.g., SharePoint/Teams).
  • Additional requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Industrial Security Clearance. For more information, visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/fso/faqs/
  • In-person role in Austin, TX.
  • Must be capable of occasionally working in a laboratory environment, including lifting up to 50 pounds and using a respirator as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting DoD or other U.S. Government projects and associated reporting/deliverables.
  • PMP certification or formal project management training; familiarity with risk registers and gated development.
  • Experience with DOE/statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and/or scripting for data analysis (e.g., Python/Matlab).
  • Background in scale-up, technology transition, and/or quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001/AS9100).

Why Join TRI Austin

  • Be part of a 50-year legacy of scientific excellence and innovation.
  • Work in a flexible, intellectually stimulating environment with diverse, high-impact projects.
  • Contribute to applied research with real-world impact and visible deliverables.
  • Enjoy an excellent quality of life in Austin, TX, with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

TRI Austin, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.


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