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Scientific Program Manager Jobs in Urbana, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Scientific Program Manager information

See Urbana, IL salary details

$38.7K

$108.2K

$158K

How much do scientific program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific program manager in Urbana, IL is $108,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $133,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific program manager?

A Scientific Program Manager is a professional who oversees the planning, coordination, and administration of scientific research programs or projects. They serve as a bridge between researchers, funding agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects meet their goals, timelines, and budgets. Responsibilities often include managing grant applications, monitoring research progress, and facilitating communication within the research team. Scientific Program Managers typically have a background in science and strong organizational and leadership skills.

How does a scientific program manager typically collaborate with researchers and stakeholders during a project lifecycle?

A Scientific Program Manager works closely with researchers, principal investigators, and external stakeholders to ensure that project goals and timelines are met. They facilitate communication between teams, coordinate meetings, and help resolve any logistical or scientific challenges that arise. By providing organizational support and aligning project activities with strategic objectives, they enable researchers to focus on scientific innovation. Regular updates, progress tracking, and documentation are key parts of their collaborative efforts, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientific Program Manager, you need a strong background in scientific research, project management, and often an advanced degree (such as a Ph.D. or master's) in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana or MS Project), grant administration systems, and compliance regulations is typically required. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage multidisciplinary teams and complex scientific initiatives. These abilities ensure that scientific programs are executed efficiently, on schedule, and in alignment with organizational goals.

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

AspectScientific Program ManagerResearch Project Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (PhD, MSc) in science or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in science, research, or related areas
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects, manages teams, and interacts with stakeholders in research institutions or biotech companiesSupports specific research projects, coordinates activities, and assists research teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharma, and research organizations for overseeing scientific programsFound in academic labs, research institutes, and industry for project support

The Scientific Program Manager focuses on overseeing multiple scientific projects, managing teams, and strategic planning, often requiring advanced degrees. In contrast, the Research Project Coordinator supports individual research projects by coordinating activities and logistics. Both roles are essential in research environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is a scientific program manager a high position?

A scientific program manager is typically a mid- to senior-level role responsible for coordinating scientific projects, managing budgets, and liaising between scientists and stakeholders. While it can be a leadership position within research organizations or agencies, it is generally not considered executive-level but offers significant influence within its scope.

What is the average salary for a scientific program manager?

The average salary for a scientific program manager in the United States typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this role often have strong project management skills and may hold certifications such as PMP or PMI-ACP.

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Program Manager jobs in Urbana, IL?

For Scientific Program Manager jobs in Urbana, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scientific Program Manager jobs in Urbana, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Program Manager jobs in Urbana, IL are:

What cities near Urbana, IL are hiring for Scientific Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Urbana, IL with the most Scientific Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Scientific Program Manager job openings in Urbana, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,153 per year, or $52 per hour.

$147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: Serves as an ERDC-level Program Officer for research in the Programs Office.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes which includes at least 2 out of the 3 following experiences: 1) Plan enterprise processes and procedures that support alignment of strategies between multiple stakeholders; 2) Monitor the performance and program execution for an organization's research and development (R&D) portfolio; and/or 3) Advise officials on resource requirements related to workforce staffing, equipment, products or facilities necessary for efficient and effective execution of the Civil Works program. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (DJ-04 (GS-14)).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
This position is covered by the Science and Technology Laboratory Personnel Management Demonstration Project at the DJ-0340-05 (equivalent to GS-15). In accordance with the Federal Register Vol. 63, No. 57, dated March 25, 1998, Laboratory Demonstration Project employees must have a current average performance score of at least 2.5 or equivalent (fully successful rating) for promotion consideration."
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Leadership
  • Organizational Awareness
  • Program Management

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-14).Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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