Research Manager Jobs in Indiana
Research Manager jobs in Indiana concentrate in pharmaceutical and life sciences R&D, academic research institutions, and healthcare systems, with demand at levels from entry-level research associate to senior research director. Indianapolis, Bloomington, and West Lafayette anchor the bulk of openings, where employers such as Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University Health, and Purdue University maintain established research operations. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research, biomedical sciences, and survey and market research. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Research Manager jobs
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
The Research Project Manager (RPM) supports the University’s research enterprise by providing professional project management and research administration expertise for large, complex research programs and projects. The RPM applies project management methodologies and institutional processes to plan, track, analyze, and report on research activities. This role may provide ongoing project/program management support for one or more research projects and/or deliver temporary or specialized project support across multiple research projects and initiatives concurrently.
Working with a high degree of independence and receiving general direction from the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the RPM executes and coordinates a wide range of activities critical to research success. The RPM contributes specialized project management knowledge and institutional expertise that may fall outside the PI’s core experience, ensuring effective coordination, compliance, and operational efficiency across complex research efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and manage research programs and projects using project management methodologies, tools, and institutional processes.
- Track project progress, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resources; analyze data and prepare clear and actionable reports for PIs and research stakeholders.
- Serve as a central point of coordination for research activities, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, procedures, and key deadlines.
- Collaborate directly with faculty, research teams, and administrative offices across campus on behalf of the PI and the research program or project.
- Provide guidance and process support related to research administration, compliance, and research operations workflows.
- Identify risks, issues, and dependencies; develop, recommend, and support implementation of mitigation strategies.
- Support continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies, best practices, and process enhancements for effective research project execution.
- Lead and facilitate communication among diverse stakeholders to promote clarity, accountability, and successful project outcomes.
- Support large scale, multi institutional, or high risk research initiatives by coordinating activities across internal and external partners.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ years of professional experience in project management, research administration, or a related field.
- CAPM/PMP Certification required
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to interface and collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators.
- Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management and research administration.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Work Environment
The Research Project Manager works closely with faculty investigators and research teams across the University and engages regularly with administrative partners across campus. The position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, adaptability, and independent judgment to effectively support complex, dynamic, and evolving research initiatives.
Additional Information
Applications due by 11/6/26
Salary up to $90,000, commensurate with experience
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
The Research Project Manager (RPM) supports the University’s research enterprise by providing professional project management and research administration expertise for large, complex research programs and projects. The RPM applies project management methodologies and institutional processes to plan, track, analyze, and report on research activities. This role may provide ongoing project/program management support for one or more research projects and/or deliver temporary or specialized project support across multiple research projects and initiatives concurrently.
Working with a high degree of independence and receiving general direction from the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the RPM executes and coordinates a wide range of activities critical to research success. The RPM contributes specialized project management knowledge and institutional expertise that may fall outside the PI’s core experience, ensuring effective coordination, compliance, and operational efficiency across complex research efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and manage research programs and projects using project management methodologies, tools, and institutional processes.
- Track project progress, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resources; analyze data and prepare clear and actionable reports for PIs and research stakeholders.
- Serve as a central point of coordination for research activities, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, procedures, and key deadlines.
- Collaborate directly with faculty, research teams, and administrative offices across campus on behalf of the PI and the research program or project.
- Provide guidance and process support related to research administration, compliance, and research operations workflows.
- Identify risks, issues, and dependencies; develop, recommend, and support implementation of mitigation strategies.
- Support continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies, best practices, and process enhancements for effective research project execution.
- Lead and facilitate communication among diverse stakeholders to promote clarity, accountability, and successful project outcomes.
- Support large scale, multi institutional, or high risk research initiatives by coordinating activities across internal and external partners.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ years of professional experience in project management, research administration, or a related field.
- CAPM/PMP Certification required
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to interface and collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators.
- Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management and research administration.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Work Environment
The Research Project Manager works closely with faculty investigators and research teams across the University and engages regularly with administrative partners across campus. The position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, adaptability, and independent judgment to effectively support complex, dynamic, and evolving research initiatives.
Additional Information
Applications due by 11/6/26
Salary up to $90,000, commensurate with experience
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
See All 9 Research Manager Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Manager JobsResearch Manager Jobs by City in Indiana
Where Indiana roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Manager Job Market in Indiana
A snapshot from current Indiana openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Indiana Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research manager jobs across Indiana.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or business discipline
- Three or more years of progressively responsible research or project management experience
- Demonstrated ability to design studies, analyze data, and communicate findings to stakeholders
- Proficiency with statistical software such as SAS, R, SPSS, or equivalent data analysis tools
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing timelines across multiple concurrent projects
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, regulatory compliance, or Good Clinical Practice standards where applicable
Research Manager Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research manager in Indiana?
Most research manager roles in Indiana require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. The role carries no state-issued license in Indiana, so candidates advance through experience rather than a licensing board. Those targeting clinical research positions often pursue the Certified Clinical Research Professional credential through the Society of Clinical Research Associates to strengthen their standing with Indiana life sciences employers.
How much do research managers make in Indiana?
Research managers in Indiana earn a median of about $108,250 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $56,530 for the lowest 10% to over $203,340 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research managers in Indiana?
Indiana research manager roles are posted by Indiana University, University of Notre Dame, and Labcorp and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Indiana's dense concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic medical centers, and university research programs creates steady, year-round demand across the state.
Which Indiana cities have the most research manager jobs?
Bloomington, Notre Dame, and Indiana lead Indiana in research manager openings. Indianapolis drives the largest share through its pharmaceutical corridor anchored by Eli Lilly and a network of hospital systems, while Bloomington and West Lafayette generate consistent openings tied to Indiana University and Purdue University's sponsored research programs and affiliated industry partnerships.
Are there remote research manager jobs in Indiana?
Yes, and they're more common than in many professional roles because much of a research manager's work involves data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder coordination that can be done off-site. About 100% of research manager openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broader flexibility in the sector. Roles with a heavy laboratory oversight or clinical site monitoring component are more likely to require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a research manager in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research coordinator or research associate role, which large Indiana employers such as Indiana University Health, Eskenazi Health, and Purdue University use as structured on-ramps for candidates without management experience. Completing a clinical research coordinator certification or a graduate certificate in research administration gives candidates a concrete edge. Moving laterally from adjacent roles in project coordination, data analysis, or laboratory operations is a common and well-recognized route into research management at Indiana institutions.
Where can I find and apply to research manager jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to research manager jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current Indiana openings. Search the available roles, identify the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each position that matches what you're looking for.
See All 9 Research Manager Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Manager Jobs