Research Manager Jobs in Minnesota
Research Manager jobs in Minnesota are in strong demand, with the state's deep base in medical research, public health, and corporate innovation anchoring consistent hiring across academic, government, and private-sector settings. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro generates the largest share of openings, followed by Rochester and Duluth, where employers like Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M maintain substantial research operations. The most sought-after specialties in Minnesota include clinical research management, health policy research, and market and consumer insights research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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- BA/BA in a science related field with six years of experience or an advanced degree in a science related field with four years of experience
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and personnel management skills with the ability to train and direct professional and support staff. Must be able to represent the study and the University in a positive and professional way.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and Zoom
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with the entire spectrum of stakeholders including principal investigators, researchers, managers and field center staff.
- Ability to work independently, make decisions, problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies.
- Must be highly organized to ensure smooth study implementation and progression.
- Able to provide oversight for grant proposals and budgets. Must be fiscally responsible in this revenue generating position.
- Capable of being in a laboratory and exposed to blood and body fluid.
Preferred:
- Medical Laboratory Scientist certification – MLS (ASCP)
- Understanding of clinical trials and the research process
- Experience with research database software including REDCap, Oncore and Epic
- Experience with project management software such as Jira, MS Project, Confluence
- Experience with IRB submissions
- Experience in writing grant applications
The ARDL Project Managers are responsible for managing and serving as knowledge experts in all study performance aspects in large, complex, clinical research trials within a nationally-recognized, NIH-funded Central Laboratory. The Project Managers support 10 - 12 UMN Principal Investigators (PIs), develop up to 20+ sponsored and external sales projects per year per Project Manager, all while managing the ongoing progress of up to 10-20 projects per manager per year.
The Project Managers function as a liaison between the Central Laboratory and sponsor/study leadership, to plan logistics and coordinate activities throughout all phases of the study or project. Along with the UMN PI, the manager serves as a representative of UMN and the Central Laboratory at in-person and online steering committee meetings, communicating essential information for successful completion of the study or project.
Responsibilities:
- Pre Award and Financial – 35%
- Evaluate requests and prepare and submit grant proposals for federal research (sponsored project) funding (NIH) and other Request for Proposal (RFP) packages.
- Develop, negotiate, and submit budgets that coincide with the grant proposals, accounting for all aspects of project scope in budget preparation, including personnel salary, fringe, equipment, supplies, travel, inventory management and test costs.
- Meet NIH and sponsor deadlines for grant proposal submissions.
- Submit proposals to the UMN Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and work with SPA to answer questions regarding the proposal.
- Prepare revised budgets based on funding cuts, carry-forward budgets, no-cost extension budgets.
- Monitor the financial award (NOGA) against the services performed to forecast budget surplus or prevent budget overruns.
- Generate revenue: create and maintain relationships to establish repeat customers for submission of additional proposals to generate work/income for the department.
- Communication – 25%
o Collaborate with sponsors and data coordinating centers to investigate issues and improve processes.
o Advise clinical sites on study specific protocols and help resolve issues.
o Serve as a knowledge expert to outside clients and internal staff.
o Participate on conference calls with external clients.
o Serve as a representative of UMN at steering committee meetings, which may include occasional in-person meetings requiring domestic travel.
o Participate in internal leadership meetings and conduct small group meetings with staff.
- Planning and oversight (project management) – 25%
o Monitor performance at clinical sites (may include 100+ sites).
o In collaboration with the ARDL PI, create and implement a laboratory work flow to meet expected turn around times and project deadlines.
o Monitor accurate testing and quality assurance.
o Use resources and problem solving skills to implement solutions to unexpected issues.
- Write Reports and Manuals – 10%
- Develop and write study-specific Laboratory Manual of Procedures (MOP) to harmonize processes across clinical sites.
- Develop, analyze and monitor Quality Control Reports (statistical analysis of analytes and performance metrics).
- Write Progress Reports, Carry-Forward Reports, Letters to sponsors.
- Prepare IRB submissions and renewals.
- Assist PI on preparing manuscripts for publication or serve independently as co-author.
- Presenter/Trainer – 5%
- Prepare and present training materials at clinical trial central training sessions (in-person and online).
- Train field center employees on biospecimen collection.
- Use appropriate software (Powerpoint, Zoom, etc.) for development and presentation of training sessions for outside study clients.
- Participate on study subcommittees and present data on quality assurance and other aspects of laboratory performance.
- Train internal laboratory staff on study-specific procedures.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
- BA/BA in a science related field with six years of experience or an advanced degree in a science related field with four years of experience
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and personnel management skills with the ability to train and direct professional and support staff. Must be able to represent the study and the University in a positive and professional way.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and Zoom
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with the entire spectrum of stakeholders including principal investigators, researchers, managers and field center staff.
- Ability to work independently, make decisions, problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies.
- Must be highly organized to ensure smooth study implementation and progression.
- Able to provide oversight for grant proposals and budgets. Must be fiscally responsible in this revenue generating position.
- Capable of being in a laboratory and exposed to blood and body fluid.
Preferred:
- Medical Laboratory Scientist certification – MLS (ASCP)
- Understanding of clinical trials and the research process
- Experience with research database software including REDCap, Oncore and Epic
- Experience with project management software such as Jira, MS Project, Confluence
- Experience with IRB submissions
- Experience in writing grant applications
The ARDL Project Managers are responsible for managing and serving as knowledge experts in all study performance aspects in large, complex, clinical research trials within a nationally-recognized, NIH-funded Central Laboratory. The Project Managers support 10 - 12 UMN Principal Investigators (PIs), develop up to 20+ sponsored and external sales projects per year per Project Manager, all while managing the ongoing progress of up to 10-20 projects per manager per year.
The Project Managers function as a liaison between the Central Laboratory and sponsor/study leadership, to plan logistics and coordinate activities throughout all phases of the study or project. Along with the UMN PI, the manager serves as a representative of UMN and the Central Laboratory at in-person and online steering committee meetings, communicating essential information for successful completion of the study or project.
Responsibilities:
- Pre Award and Financial – 35%
- Evaluate requests and prepare and submit grant proposals for federal research (sponsored project) funding (NIH) and other Request for Proposal (RFP) packages.
- Develop, negotiate, and submit budgets that coincide with the grant proposals, accounting for all aspects of project scope in budget preparation, including personnel salary, fringe, equipment, supplies, travel, inventory management and test costs.
- Meet NIH and sponsor deadlines for grant proposal submissions.
- Submit proposals to the UMN Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and work with SPA to answer questions regarding the proposal.
- Prepare revised budgets based on funding cuts, carry-forward budgets, no-cost extension budgets.
- Monitor the financial award (NOGA) against the services performed to forecast budget surplus or prevent budget overruns.
- Generate revenue: create and maintain relationships to establish repeat customers for submission of additional proposals to generate work/income for the department.
- Communication – 25%
o Collaborate with sponsors and data coordinating centers to investigate issues and improve processes.
o Advise clinical sites on study specific protocols and help resolve issues.
o Serve as a knowledge expert to outside clients and internal staff.
o Participate on conference calls with external clients.
o Serve as a representative of UMN at steering committee meetings, which may include occasional in-person meetings requiring domestic travel.
o Participate in internal leadership meetings and conduct small group meetings with staff.
- Planning and oversight (project management) – 25%
o Monitor performance at clinical sites (may include 100+ sites).
o In collaboration with the ARDL PI, create and implement a laboratory work flow to meet expected turn around times and project deadlines.
o Monitor accurate testing and quality assurance.
o Use resources and problem solving skills to implement solutions to unexpected issues.
- Write Reports and Manuals – 10%
- Develop and write study-specific Laboratory Manual of Procedures (MOP) to harmonize processes across clinical sites.
- Develop, analyze and monitor Quality Control Reports (statistical analysis of analytes and performance metrics).
- Write Progress Reports, Carry-Forward Reports, Letters to sponsors.
- Prepare IRB submissions and renewals.
- Assist PI on preparing manuscripts for publication or serve independently as co-author.
- Presenter/Trainer – 5%
- Prepare and present training materials at clinical trial central training sessions (in-person and online).
- Train field center employees on biospecimen collection.
- Use appropriate software (Powerpoint, Zoom, etc.) for development and presentation of training sessions for outside study clients.
- Participate on study subcommittees and present data on quality assurance and other aspects of laboratory performance.
- Train internal laboratory staff on study-specific procedures.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
See All 9 Research Manager Jobs in Minnesota
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Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Manager Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Accounting & Auditing
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research manager jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, life sciences, or social sciences
- Demonstrated experience designing and overseeing research studies or data collection programs
- Proficiency with research software and statistical analysis tools such as SAS, SPSS, or R
- Strong project management skills including budgeting, timeline oversight, and team coordination
- Experience communicating research findings to non-technical stakeholders through reports and presentations
- Familiarity with institutional review board processes and research compliance standards
Research Manager Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research manager in Minnesota?
Most research manager roles in Minnesota require at least a bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the research area, with a master's degree strongly preferred in academic, clinical, or public health settings. Minnesota does not issue a state license specifically for research managers, but clinical research professionals often pursue credentials such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional designation through the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Employers at institutions like the University of Minnesota or Mayo Clinic typically expect candidates to show progressively responsible research experience before moving into a management role.
How much do research managers make in Minnesota?
Research managers in Minnesota earn a median of about $136,450 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,050 for the lowest 10% to over $289,790 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research managers in Minnesota?
Employers hiring research managers in Minnesota right now include University of Minnesota, KPMG, and Mayo Clinic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Minnesota's concentration of health systems, Fortune 500 corporations, and research universities means opportunities extend well beyond any single industry sector.
Which Minnesota cities have the most research manager jobs?
Minneapolis, Moorhead, and Rochester have the most research manager openings in Minnesota. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro dominates because it is home to major corporate headquarters, the University of Minnesota system, and a dense cluster of health technology companies, while Rochester's concentration of Mayo Clinic and affiliated biomedical organizations drives consistent demand in that smaller market.
Are there remote research manager jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, and more than many comparable management roles, because research management often involves data analysis, report writing, and team coordination that can be done off-site. About 80% of research manager openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the analytical and administrative nature of much of the work. The tasks most likely to stay remote are grant reporting, data oversight, and stakeholder communication, while roles requiring direct oversight of laboratory or field teams are typically on-site.
How can I get hired as a research manager in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a research coordinator or research associate, roles that large Minnesota employers like Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare, and the University of Minnesota hire at the new-graduate level through formal research internship and coordinator programs. Building a record of coordinating studies, managing IRB submissions, and contributing to published findings positions you for a management step within two to four years. Earning a project management certification or a graduate certificate in clinical research strengthens applications at institutions that prefer candidates with formal training alongside hands-on experience.
Where can I find and apply to research manager jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to research manager jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings below to see roles that fit your background, then apply directly to the ones that match your experience and location preferences.
See All 9 Research Manager Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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