Research Project Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 26 Feb 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Office of Animal Care and Use-621400
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 02/12/2024
Application Deadline 02/26/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Project Manager
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00053798
Vacancy ID NF0007832
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent on Experience/Qualifications
Proposed Start Date 03/01/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) receives significant funding from federal sources and foundations for research and teaching activities involving animals. All components of the UNC-CH animal care program, coordinated through the Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU), work together to ensure that the highest standard of ethical principles are applied to the humane treatment of these respected and valued animals. Work with vertebrate animals must be conducted in accordance with the federal laws described in the USDA Animal Welfare Act, the expectations of the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, and the accreditation standards held by AAALAC International. In compliance with these expectations, the Vice Chancellor for Research appoints an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) whose responsibility is to oversee the care and use of animals in education and research programs in accordance with all federal regulations, policies, and accreditation standards. 
The OACU assists the IACUC with the ethical oversight of animal research by ensuring compliance with all mandates and providing support and guidance to the IACUC and researchers. OACU staff work with the IACUC and other University departments to perform the following duties: administer animal care protocols submitted by research and educational faculty; ensure congruency between grants and animal care protocols; inspect, evaluate, and approve all UNC-CH animal housing facilities and laboratories where work is conducted; identify program deficiencies and confirm return to full compliance; educate researchers and monitor compliance with procedures and policies of humane animal care and use; investigate animal welfare concerns or non-compliance; evaluate the animal care program biannually and submit reports to federal and accrediting agencies; and assist with USDA inspections and AAALAC International site visits. The OACU team is a diverse group of individuals working closely together to ensure compliance and facilitate humane animal research at UNC-CH.
Position Summary
The Research Project Manager serves as an essential member on the Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU) administrative operations team, providing direct operational support to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC and OACU are pan-university units providing service for and interacting with faculty and researchers across the campus and from all major schools within the University. This individual delivers relevant and timely attention to all stages of managing the protocol application process, including submission, pre-review, revision, and approval. The nature of the protocol submission cycle will require the individual to work on numerous processes at various stages simultaneously with minimal supervision and frequent interruption.
The project manager works closely with faculty in a positive and supportive manner, providing guidance to researchers on drafting appropriately detailed requests for consideration that integrate applicable regulations and standards. A strong emphasis is placed on the individual’s ability to work autonomously as well as their understanding and interpretation of animal welfare regulations. The individual in this position enhances research education through the delivery of an instructional lecture series, serves as a contributing presenter for OACU and OVCR events, and maintains a survey system and FAQ content related to their area of expertise. 
In addition, the project manager will collect, assemble, and analyze data for office metrics, including identification of trends, research into anomalies, interpretation of shifts, and recommendations for improvement related to OACU and IACUC operations. This position is responsible for monitoring protocols that are approaching expiration, responding to requests to identify PIs and protocols within specific parameters to connect groups within the research community; determining the root cause of issues that arise through historical analysis of protocol forms; management of funding changes that add content and reporting requirements to protocols, and assembly, analysis, and reporting of annual metrics; and basic web-related maintenance work as needed for the IACUC webpages. The individual in this position must be able to work independently and establish process timelines to ensure timely checkpoints, goals, and deadlines. The individual serves as a key contact for the OACU, communicating with outside offices and groups, such as DCM, Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), and the Health Sciences Library (HSL). The project manager is responsible for ensuring the OACU is meeting or exceeding milestones and timelines within their own area.
All Office of Animal Care and Use employees are expected to execute the OACU’s overarching goal of enhancing the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving laboratory animals at UNC-Chapel Hill by (1) implementing the decisions and administering the policies of the IACUC fairly and objectively; (2) advocating and maintaining high ethical standards that create a humane animal research environment; (3) training investigators, students and staff members in proper research techniques; (4) communicating to research faculty and University personnel the institutional animal welfare policies, practices, and standards, federal and state regulations, and accrediting agency requirements, and ensuring adherence to these policies, regulations and requirements.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in work.
- Demonstrated ability to review and comprehend both language and science in a research proposal.
- Demonstrated ability to execute multiple duties simultaneously and track large numbers of ongoing tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to perform as a supportive, dedicated, and reliable team member.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions quickly and to independently interpret & apply complex policies.
- Working knowledge of Federal, State, & University regulations, policies, & standards related to animal research.
- Demonstrated ability to educate others (e.g., investigators & researchers) on animal research regulations.
- Demonstrated understanding of the ethical considerations involved in animal research.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Previous experience with Adobe Acrobat.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Knowledge of animal care and welfare regulations and/or previous experience with IACUC processes or administration.
- Experience managing multi-faceted projects under time sensitive deadlines.
- Familiarity with universal practices and procedures of business office operations.
- Working knowledge of MS SharePoint/Teams, WordPress, and Zoom.
- Experience with animal care applications and/or the grant congruency process.
- Previous regulatory compliance experience.
- Knowledge of federal and local policies that govern animal research, including the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and UNC-Chapel Hill Standard Operating Procedures.
- Demonstrated understanding of basic website maintenance or web development skills.
- Experience using UNC systems such as ConnectCarolina, ACAP, and/or RAMSeS.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/274647

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Trent Hopper, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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