Research Project Lead Jobs
Research Project Lead jobs are open across academia, healthcare, biotech, government, and nonprofits, from coordinator-level to senior and principal, with specializations in clinical research, social science, and policy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are seeking a Research Project Manager who will work under the general supervision of a PI(s) to manage the administrative and scientific implementation of a single complex and/or multiple research projects. As part of a research team, collaborates with faculty, develops project plan(s), develops SOPs, and oversees all activities for one or more research projects. Has accountability for grant submission and administration, and regulatory compliance. Supervises or oversees other exempt level research staff; may oversee staff at local or multiple sites.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Partner with investigator(s) and exercises independent judgement in managing the conduct of the research on behalf of the PI.
- Participate in scientific discussions with collaborators, PIs, and funding organizations.
- Collaborate with PI on protocol development and study design.
- Develop or oversee development of standard operating procedures and data collection forms from protocol.
- Train and provide oversight of research data management and regulatory compliance issues.
- Develop or oversee development of study budget(s) and ensure that all study costs are included in the budget.
- Responsible for finance-related issues.
- Ensure the development, testing, and evaluation of manuals, questionnaires, and coding structures for the efficient collection of data.
- Oversee data collection and validation.
- Oversee quality control of study data
- Lead study meetings to examine data, determine next steps, and implement changes to protocol operations based on results and goals.
- Contribute to presentations and manuscripts.
- Hire, supervise, and manage performance of other exempt-level research staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
In Addition to Duties Listed Above
- Assist parents in identifying school and community-based resources for the parents themselves & their children and sending parents via email or regular mail a summary of those resources.
- Managing the study database, including the tracking of interactions with parents and children during the recruitment and interview process and participants’ needs, including incentives for interview completion & more information about the study.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of IRB applications and progress reports.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of progress reports for the funding agency.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of data files to be deposited in the funding agency’s data repository.
- On call a weeknight evening or weekend day once a week.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
- Five years of related research experience.
- Demonstrated supervisory or lead responsibilities.
- Experience working with school-age children in either school, medical, or mental health settings and supervisory experience within the context of research studies.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in a related field.
- Training in social work and experience in the creation of IRB applications and progress reports and funding agency progress reports.
Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
- Budget Management - Advanced
- Data Management and Analysis - Advanced
- Finance Project Management - Advanced
- Oral and Written Communications - Advanced
- Project Management - Advanced
- Regulatory Compliance - Advanced
- Report Writing - Advanced
- Resource Data Quality Assurance - Advanced
- Research Design - Advanced
- Strategic Thinking - Advanced
Classified Title: Research Project Manager
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD
Starting Salary Range: $57,195 - $100,040 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health
Department name: Mental Health Administration
Personnel area: School of Public Health
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
We are seeking a Research Project Manager who will work under the general supervision of a PI(s) to manage the administrative and scientific implementation of a single complex and/or multiple research projects. As part of a research team, collaborates with faculty, develops project plan(s), develops SOPs, and oversees all activities for one or more research projects. Has accountability for grant submission and administration, and regulatory compliance. Supervises or oversees other exempt level research staff; may oversee staff at local or multiple sites.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Partner with investigator(s) and exercises independent judgement in managing the conduct of the research on behalf of the PI.
- Participate in scientific discussions with collaborators, PIs, and funding organizations.
- Collaborate with PI on protocol development and study design.
- Develop or oversee development of standard operating procedures and data collection forms from protocol.
- Train and provide oversight of research data management and regulatory compliance issues.
- Develop or oversee development of study budget(s) and ensure that all study costs are included in the budget.
- Responsible for finance-related issues.
- Ensure the development, testing, and evaluation of manuals, questionnaires, and coding structures for the efficient collection of data.
- Oversee data collection and validation.
- Oversee quality control of study data
- Lead study meetings to examine data, determine next steps, and implement changes to protocol operations based on results and goals.
- Contribute to presentations and manuscripts.
- Hire, supervise, and manage performance of other exempt-level research staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
In Addition to Duties Listed Above
- Assist parents in identifying school and community-based resources for the parents themselves & their children and sending parents via email or regular mail a summary of those resources.
- Managing the study database, including the tracking of interactions with parents and children during the recruitment and interview process and participants’ needs, including incentives for interview completion & more information about the study.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of IRB applications and progress reports.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of progress reports for the funding agency.
- Assisting the PI in the generation of data files to be deposited in the funding agency’s data repository.
- On call a weeknight evening or weekend day once a week.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
- Five years of related research experience.
- Demonstrated supervisory or lead responsibilities.
- Experience working with school-age children in either school, medical, or mental health settings and supervisory experience within the context of research studies.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in a related field.
- Training in social work and experience in the creation of IRB applications and progress reports and funding agency progress reports.
Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
- Budget Management - Advanced
- Data Management and Analysis - Advanced
- Finance Project Management - Advanced
- Oral and Written Communications - Advanced
- Project Management - Advanced
- Regulatory Compliance - Advanced
- Report Writing - Advanced
- Resource Data Quality Assurance - Advanced
- Research Design - Advanced
- Strategic Thinking - Advanced
Classified Title: Research Project Manager
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD
Starting Salary Range: $57,195 - $100,040 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health
Department name: Mental Health Administration
Personnel area: School of Public Health
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Research Project Lead Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Research Project Lead JobsResearch Project Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Johns Hopkins University20
- Medpace15
- University of Alabama13
- Sago8
- Penn State University6
Top Industries Hiring
- Education24
- Healthcare & Medical Services24
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals10
- Science & Research1
- Electronics & Hardware1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research project lead jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or public health field
- Demonstrated experience managing research projects from design through data collection and reporting
- Proficiency with project management tools and research data management software
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, informed consent processes, and research compliance requirements
- Strong written communication skills for grant reporting, publications, and stakeholder updates
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, analysts, and external collaborators
Tips for Your Research Project Lead Job Search
Tailor your resume to study design
Hiring managers for research project lead roles scan for specific methodology experience. Name the study designs you've managed, whether randomized controlled trials, longitudinal cohort studies, or mixed-methods projects, and quantify the scope by team size or duration.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience
Research project leads are evaluated heavily on their ability to align IRB compliance, data teams, and external partners simultaneously. Your resume should show concrete examples of managing those stakeholders, not just listing them as responsibilities.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists research project lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by funding source
Federal grant-funded positions at NIH, NSF, or HRSA often require specific compliance experience. If you have that background, filter for postings that name the funding agency, since those roles screen for it and your experience becomes a direct differentiator.
Prepare a protocol walkthrough for interviews
Many research project lead interviews include a scenario where you're asked to walk through how you'd set up or rescue a study protocol. Practice a concise five-step version covering scope, timeline, stakeholder alignment, risk, and reporting, using a real project you've led.
Negotiate start dates around IRB cycles
If the role involves launching a new study, your start date affects when IRB submission can begin. During offer negotiation, ask where the protocol stands so you can propose a start date that lets you contribute immediately rather than waiting on approval cycles.
Research Project Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most research project leads?
The companies hiring the most research project leads right now include Johns Hopkins University, Medpace, and University of Alabama, with the largest share of openings in California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Academic medical centers, federal contractors, and public health agencies consistently account for a large portion of active postings.
How many research project lead jobs are remote?
About 58% of research project lead openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though availability varies significantly by sub-field. Roles focused on data coordination, grant writing, and policy research tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring direct participant contact or lab oversight are almost always on-site.
How do you become a research project lead?
Most research project leads start as research coordinators or assistants, building hands-on experience in data collection, participant recruitment, and protocol compliance. From there, taking ownership of a study component, earning a project management credential, and demonstrating IRB and regulatory knowledge positions you for a lead role. A master's degree accelerates the path in clinical and public health settings.
Can you get hired as a research project lead with limited experience?
Entry points exist, particularly at universities and nonprofits that hire research coordinators and promote from within. If your experience is limited, focus on roles that name you as the primary point of contact for a study, even a small one, and document every protocol, compliance, or reporting task you owned. That specificity matters more than years of tenure when you apply for a lead title.
What does the research project lead interview process look like?
Most processes include a phone screen with a recruiter, a competency interview with a hiring manager or PI covering project management and stakeholder scenarios, and a panel round with team members from adjacent functions like data, compliance, or clinical operations. Some employers add a written exercise asking you to outline a study startup plan or identify risks in a sample protocol before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to research project lead jobs?
You can find and apply to research project lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 243+ Research Project Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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