"Visiting Research Laboratory Project Manager - Department of Speech & Hearing Science"

Visiting Research Laboratory Project Manager

Department of Speech & Hearing Science
College of Applied Health Sciences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab (Malandraki Lab) has an immediate opening for a Visiting Research Laboratory Project Manager position in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The incumbent will work closely with Dr. Malandraki to support lab activities and coordinate research grant processes, while conducting research essential to the laboratory's scientific goals. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with knowledge of scientific principles, concepts, research ethics, and technology related to clinical research with human subjects to assist in the planning and execution of NIH (National Institutes of Health)-funded research projects and clinical trials. Within these projects and trials, we will work with national and international academic partners on novel and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities, primarily focused on swallowing disorders and neurophysiological function in adults.

The Visiting Research Laboratory Project Manager will conduct research, assist in fine-tuning specific methods and procedures for projects, help with recruitment and scheduling of subjects, organize and manage daily lab activities and operations, and may assist in data collection and analysis. They will also assist in preparing research protocols, scientific papers, and presentations, and work independently under the direction of Dr. Malandraki to establish and accomplish the goals of her laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab personnel will provide detailed training and guidance in all research procedures. The work will be on-site at the Urbana-Champaign campus and may include off-campus outreach events.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Coordination

• Coordinate research activities related to NIH-funded grants, including participant recruitment and scheduling
• Record-keeping for grant-related activities, IRB preparations, database management, and support Dr. Malandraki with financial record-keeping and progress reports.

Lab Organization & Maintenance

• Assist with maintaining lab record-keeping methods and ordering systems. Track inventory and suggest orders.
• Assist in scheduling lab meetings, lab events, and meetings with students.
• Oversee general and student lab projects, as well as equipment in the lab (such as videofluoroscopic swallowing X-ray equipment, surface electromyography platforms and sensors, and dosimeters), and help perform maintenance tasks for this equipment.
• Communicate and interact with lab members and collaborators to carry out the mission and goals of the I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab through direct consultation and discussion with Dr. Malandraki.

Lab Work & Scientific Writing

• Conduct previously established research projects (data collection and analysis after training) and help develop new research projects and protocols specific to the lab's swallowing physiology research and clinical trials implementation.
• Perform, learn to perform, and train the lab team on research evaluations and protocols related to swallowing and brain function under the guidance of Dr. Malandraki.
• Assist in grant preparations, revisions, and writing; some publication preparations, revisions, and writing under the guidance and support of Dr. Malandraki.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field, master's degree preferred.
• One or more years of work experience in a research lab or in a clinic setting.
• Experience with research proposal writing and/or preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working in a clinical research lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently to carry out relevant research projects to completion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete required paperwork in a timely manner
• Self-motivated, works well on a team, and exercises sound judgement in prioritizing tasks
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues or improve processes
• Broad-based research knowledge in clinical trials implementation and swallowing physiology research.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/8/2026. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 8th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact ahs-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.