Iowa State

Research Project Manager

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Research Project Manager

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Background in conducting or supporting research projects.

Previous experience working in an university environment.

Experience with Federal regulations and agency policies and guidelines for sponsored research.

Demonstrated experience implementing project management in accordance with industry-standard principles and best practices.

Experience developing and managing strategic partnerships.

Experience with financial administration, such as budget monitoring, reporting, etc.

Job Description:

Do you love bringing big ideas to life? Are you energized by variety, collaboration, and helping teams turn research into real-world impact?

If so, the Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking candidates for a Research Project Manager to join ResearchPOST, a small team of centralized project managers who serve all university units. As part of ResearchPOST, this individual will manage a portfolio of research projects with terms of three months or longer. This position will be classified as a Research Administrator II.

What You'll Do:

  • Collaborate with principal investigators and project teams to manage research projects, define scope and goals, track milestones, and support decision-making.

  • Coordinate communication among stakeholders, schedule and facilitate meetings, and prepare project documentation and reports.

  • Develop and maintain tools to monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements.

  • Assign and track tasks for project team members, and support leadership through meeting facilitation and reporting.

  • Support post-award financial and administrative tasks, including budget monitoring, financial reporting, and salary allocation to sponsored accounts.

  • Maintain accurate records of project deliverables, subawards, and compliance documentation.

  • Support research operations by coordinating meetings, responding to inquiries, recruiting participants, and managing websites and communication materials.

  • Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support project success and visibility.

  • Assist with planning and executing events, workshops, and outreach efforts to promote project outcomes and partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have interest in supporting a broad range of projects, some of which will be interdisciplinary and/or multi-institutional. This individual will also bring strong organizational and relationship-building skills to the role.

This is a two year, fixed-term position with the opportunity for renewal.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.


Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

December 28, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

November 12, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 30, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18100