Description

Position Overview

The research project manager will work directly with KCART Leadership and investigators to lead recruitment efforts for studies of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. The Project Manager also will help oversee coordinators and conduct clinical, behavioral, and neurophysiological testing as part of ongoing studies. The research project manager will serve as a liaison with external partners - including but not limited to consultants/developers, researchers, study participants, people with disabilities and their families, community service providers, separate study sites, and teachers.

Job Description

The person in this role will be expected to perform job responsibilities in person, and they will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

65% - Project Management & Research Operations

• Develop and manage protocols and procedures required to support the implementation of large, complex externally funded or sponsored research projects, including grants, contracts, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Provide work direction and technical assistance to designated personnel involved in research teams.
• Liaise with grant coordination team to organize purchases and reimbursements for study purchases and monitor grant resource allocation.
• Coordinate team meetings and ensure completion of assigned activities to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Organize study activities such as (a) recruiting/managing participants; (b) tracking study activities and timelines; (c) assisting with training data collectors; and/or (d) monitoring data collection activities.
• Create timelines and communicate regular project updates to internal and external partners.
• Manage entry, oversight, and organization of project data, including developing and maintaining databases to support program evaluation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of IRB requirements and collaborate with the IRB office to adhere to project protocols and/or the FDA if needed.

20% - Supervision

• Supervise research staff or students in project planning, data collection or management tasks, and performing scoring, analysis and clerical tasks as assigned.
• Lead and organize team project management meetings and trainings (including staff development/training support) and provide support in developing and improving onboarding resources for new staff and students.

10% - Communications & Dissemination Support

• Coordinate information dissemination support across projects to include:
  • Manage annual reporting for research projects as assigned.
  • Collaborate with other staff on social media strategy and timeline creation to share. information about research, services, and training across KCART platforms.
  • Support creation of materials such as (a) informational videos; (b) plain language infographics; (c) detailed project reports, and/or; (d) state and national presentations.

5% - Other Duties as Assigned

• Manage additional project activities as needed, such as administrative tasks (scheduling meetings using Outlook or Doodle polls, organizing and sharing meeting notes); and participating in KCART service activities like committees, attending community events, etc.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree with minimum of four (4) years of related professional experience, OR Master's degree and minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as evidenced by application materials and experience.
3. Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously as evidenced in application materials.
4. Exceptional attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
5. Strong interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills as evidenced by application materials and experience.
6. Experience with data management, analysis or storage systems (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Qualtrics, RedCap).

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Application review begins Tuesday, 4/13/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.