Job Details
Department: Renaissance Computing Inst - 637100
Career Area: Research Professionals
Application Deadline: 08/17/2026
Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF)
Position Title: Research Project Manager
Position Number: 20076111
Vacancy ID: N000857
FTE: 1
Hours Per Week: 40
Position Location: North Carolina, US
Hiring Range: $70,000 - $83,000
Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and…
professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?
At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn’t just about solving known problems – it’s about expanding human potential by unlocking data.
We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you’ll:
- Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
- Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
- Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.
We know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.
Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.
Position Summary
RENCI is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to report to its Research Project Management Office. The position will be responsible for contributing to the management of one or more highly complex research and team science coordination projects funded by NIH, NSF, or other federal and state government organizations and/or leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units.
Incumbent will aid in the development of project management strategy, supporting business cases, and detailed project plans. This role will manage project execution to ensure adherence to leadership priorities, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes while guaranteeing the quality of project deliverables.
Incumbent will manage day-to-day operations for assigned projects in collaboration with RENCI leadership. Responsibilities include scheduling and meeting facilitation; taking notes; capturing and tracking action items; communicating with applicable teams; engaging staff to drive outcomes; and fostering strong teamwork among internal and external stakeholders.
This position will create and maintain project tracking tools, track project deliverables, and maintain project documents and artifacts. The incumbent will also identify, monitor, and address project risks and escalate issues as appropriate. Financial and administrative responsibilities include supporting budget development and monitoring, setting and tracking budgets as assigned, reporting budget or effort changes, assisting with contracts and managing subawardee deliverables when needed, and aiding in the preparation and writing of funder reports and other sponsor communications.
Incumbent should be a highly motivated, detail-oriented strategic thinker, a collaborative team player, and a demonstrated problem solver with a proven ability to make sound decisions independently and in partnership with leadership.
Key responsibilities:
- Project Planning and Management:
- Utilize project task tracking tools and methods to oversee one or more projects lifecycle.
- Recognize opportunities for internal improvement and develop plans for implementing updated or new processes and methods to facilitate project outcomes.
- Supporting deliverable execution
- Schedule and run effective, efficient meetings.
- Work closely and confidently with research project staff to track and ensure successful completion of prioritized project deliverables. Help propose, initiate and develop activities to meet project goals (e.g. workstream or tiger team formation, webinars, office hours, educational resources).
- Risk management
- Help identify and put plans in place to address potential project risks and challenges.
- Ensure broad awareness of project risks and recommend risk mitigation measures to minimize impact to project operations and outcomes.
- Reporting, tracking, and standard operating procedures
- Maintain and update project tracking tools. Provide content for or prepare complete reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and project scope.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain project documentation. Update and develop new SOPs as needed.
- Internal/External Stakeholder Engagement:
- Establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships.
- Understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders.
- Assist with the research, development, and execution of proposals including internal and external communications (written and oral) and client engagement.
- Constructively engage research project staff to facilitate project outcomes.
- Edit and analyze scientific and technical informational materials or content.
- Write according to correct English usage and appropriate style guide or accepted industry standards.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Ability to independently draft project plans, milestones, deliverables and timelines. Ability to lead complex project initiatives, develop and implement program strategies, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proven ability to lead and participate in technical conversations. Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes.
Familiarity with a range of project management tools, particularly online tools including Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), GitHub and Monday.com. Understanding of Agile metrics (tasks, backlog tracking, burndown metrics, velocity, user stories etc.) to analyze and improve sprint planning.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Three years’ experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization. CSM or equivalent certification.
- Experience with federally funded projects.
- Experience using project management skills and tools in an academic setting and/or a background in education.
- Experience with software development teams.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Organization
The nation’s first public university is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.
Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894
Total Student Enrollment: 30,011
Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States
Type of Institution: Public, four-year
Undergraduate Admission: 15,961
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,039
Total Student Enrollment: 26,000
Faculty: 3,000
Percentage of faculty who hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their field: 94 percent
Faculty/student ratio: 1/14
Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Chapel Hill's main street, Franklin Street, borders the campus and offers shops, coffee houses, cafés, movie theaters and houses of worship. The town has a historic district, museum, library, parks, malls, and many recreational facilities.
Origins of Carolina's students: 82 percent of UNC's freshmen are from North Carolina and 18 percent are from out-of-state. Our students come from 42 different states and our international students represent 37 countries.
Size of freshman class: Approximately 3,400
Class size: Barely five percent of undergraduate classes contain more than 100 students; two-thirds of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students. Forty-one percent have fewer than 20 students, including First Year Seminars, in which first-year students work closely with professors.
Sports and athletic programs: UNC is an NCAA Division I school with 28 varsity teams. Carolina is the proud home of the Dean Smith Center, Kenan Stadium, Carmichael Auditorium, Koury Natatorium, and many other fine athletic facilities. Students join more than 60 intramural and club sports, which include baseball, bowling, crew, golf, lacrosse, rock climbing, rugby, tae kwon do, and ultimate frisbee. The Student Recreation Center offers weight training, aerobics, stair machines, and all the equipment you would expect to find at a great health club! Carolina offers a newly renovated outdoor pool and indoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and the longest zipline in America!
Number of residence halls: Incoming undergraduates will live in one of Carolina's 29 residence halls, which are wired for Internet access and cable television. housing.unc.edu
Scholarships and financial aid: About 40 percent of UNC-Chapel Hill students receive scholarships and/or some form of financial aid. studentaid.unc.edu
Special research institutes: Institute for Research in Social Science, Institute of Outdoor Drama, Morehead Planetarium, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Institute of Government, Institute of African American Research.
Career services: On-campus counseling, job fairs, résumé writing service, internships, placement services. www.unc.edu/depts/career
Technological facilities: Students find multiple uses for Carolina's state-of-the-art technological resources. They can access Carolina's computer services through Academic Technology and Networks, which manages academic computing, e-mail, microcomputing labs, interactive media presentation, video and classroom support, and a help desk. The MetaLab oversees the development of SunSITE, one of the world's busiest digital library and electronic publishing projects.
Students may open e-mail accounts, and many use campus computer resources to construct personal Web pages. Students in residence halls have hardwired network connections to the Internet and cable television in their rooms. At the ATN Training center, students may take classes on software packages and utilities. Computer labs are available for student use all over campus.
Carolina Computing Initiative: Beginning with the freshman class of 2000, undergraduates must purchase laptop computers. The University has arranged for IBM to offer computers at excellent prices. Students, faculty, and staff will enjoy cost savings, higher quality compatible equipment, and better technical support through CCI. www.unc.edu/cci
The Study Abroad program allows students to live and learn in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Americas. www.unc.edu/depts/abroad
The Honors Program offers special seminars, research programs, and the chance to design your own independent studies. www.unc.edu/depts/honors
Carolina students spend time in public service through student organizations, the Campus Y, the Carolina Center for Public Service, and courses that incorporate community service.
UNC's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a national collegiate honor society, is the oldest in North Carolina, dating from 1904. There are many other honorary societies at Carolina.
UNC offers ROTC programs in all branches of national military service.
Through the First Year Seminars program, first year students will understand what it means to study at a premier research university. They will learn from faculty members and share in their research in seminars of no more than 20 students.
Life outside the classroom: More than 370 clubs, teams, and student organizations offer something for everyone! You can choose from among musical and dramatic performing groups, publications, ethnic and religious clubs, the Campus Y and other service organizations, fraternities and sororities, and pre- professional organizations. Whatever your interests, you will find others at Carolina who share them! www.unc.edu/depts/union/student/listintr.htm
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