Research Manager Jobs in Higher Education

🔬 What is a Research Manager?

A Research Manager, often called a research project manager or research director in higher education, is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of research initiatives within universities, research institutes, or academic departments. This role combines scientific expertise with administrative acumen to drive innovation and ensure research outputs contribute to academic and societal goals. Unlike a principal investigator who focuses primarily on conducting research, the Research Manager coordinates multiple projects, manages budgets, and fosters collaborations.

In the context of higher education, Research Managers play a crucial role in translating institutional strategies into tangible research outcomes. For instance, they might lead multidisciplinary teams working on grant-funded projects in fields like physics or information technology, which are prominent in Armenia's academic landscape.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Research Managers handle a diverse set of duties that bridge the gap between frontline researchers and upper administration. They develop research strategies aligned with university priorities, such as Armenia's emphasis on STEM through partnerships with the European Union.

• Overseeing research teams and assigning tasks to postdocs and assistants.
• Securing funding from national bodies like Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport or international sources.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet deadlines.
• Ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements, including data protection under GDPR for EU collaborations.
• Reporting progress to stakeholders and disseminating findings through publications or conferences.
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, similar to thriving in a postdoctoral research role.

Required Academic Qualifications

To qualify for Research Manager jobs, candidates typically need a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in a relevant field such as natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences. In Armenia, where higher education emphasizes advanced degrees, a Candidate of Sciences (equivalent to PhD) from institutions like Yerevan State University is standard. Some roles accept a Master's degree with exceptional experience.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Expertise should align with institutional strengths; in Armenia, this includes physics, IT, and biotechnology due to historical Soviet-era legacies and modern tech hubs. Managers often specialize in grant-heavy areas like renewable energy research.

Preferred Experience

Employers prioritize 5-10 years of hands-on research, a strong publication record (e.g., 20+ peer-reviewed papers), and successful grant acquisition (e.g., over $500,000 in funding). Leadership in prior projects, such as coordinating international teams, is highly valued.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include project management methodologies like Agile or PRINCE2, proficiency in grant writing, data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Python), leadership, and communication. Soft skills like negotiation and conflict resolution are critical for team dynamics.

Career Path and Opportunities in Armenia

Becoming a Research Manager often starts with roles like research assistant or lecturer, progressing through postdoctoral positions. In Armenia, opportunities are expanding at the American University of Armenia and National Polytechnic University of Armenia, driven by 2026 trends in AI and tech research. Globally, demand grows with higher education expansions, as seen in recent market projections.

To advance, build a standout academic CV, network at conferences, and target research jobs. Challenges include funding volatility, but actionable advice includes diversifying grant sources and mentoring juniors for team retention.

Why Pursue Research Manager Jobs?

This role offers intellectual fulfillment and impact, with salaries averaging $90,000-$140,000 globally (lower in Armenia at ~AMD 1.5 million monthly). Explore openings via higher-ed-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, university-jobs, and post your profile at recruitment on AcademicJobs.com for tailored Research Manager jobs.