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Research Project Manager

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $60,000–$80,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your hands-on experience with large animal cardiovascular models. Which procedures have you performed or assisted with?

What they are checking: Whether they truly have the open chest and large animal experience the posting centers on, since it is hard to train.

Tell me about a time you trained or supervised someone on a technical procedure.

What they are checking: Whether they can bring others up to speed safely, since a manager has to grow the lab's capacity, not just do the work.

Tell me about a time an experiment failed repeatedly. How did you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot methodically instead of repeating the same steps and hoping for a different result.

What would you do

A procedure is going badly and the animal is unstable partway through. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they put animal welfare and protocol first under pressure and know when to stop rather than salvage data.

How would you build the schedule for a study that needs surgeons, vet staff, equipment and animals all available on the same day?

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate many moving parts, which is most of what a research project manager does.

The PI wants to add an extra study arm mid-project. What questions do you ask before saying yes?

What they are checking: Whether they think through protocol amendments, animal numbers, cost and timeline before committing the team.

About the work

Walk me through how you would set up and run an open chest electrophysiology study, from animal prep to data capture.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the whole procedure, including anesthesia, mapping equipment and recording, well enough to manage it.

How do you work with IACUC on protocols, amendments and inspections for large animal studies?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep animal research compliant, since a lapse can stop the whole lab's work.

What electrophysiology mapping or recording systems have you used, and how did you handle the data afterward?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage the large signal datasets these studies create and keep them organized for analysis.

How do you track study budgets and supply orders so the project doesn't run out of money or materials?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the administrative side of research management alongside the bench work.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD MED - Cardiology - Arora Research Staff About the Department The Section of Cardiology was founded in 1950 and has a proud history. We are now charting a new course that will propel us to the forefront of cardiovascular medicine. The strength of the Section reflects the quality and dedication of its faculty, trainees, and support staff and is enhanced by the rich environment at the University of Chicago. The Section of Cardiology, within the Department of Medicine, is a highly collaborative workplace on the main campus of the University of Chicago. Our section prides itself on its strong and integrated programs in clinical care, research, and education. The strength of our clinical programs is essential not only to our ability to provide excellent patient care, but to our ability to perform research that advances the frontiers of clinical practice and to train future generations of physicians. Our research programs allow us to advance the scientific basis and clinical practice and to train researchers who can carry this scientific mission into the future. Job Summary The Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology is looking for a Research Project Manager to work on Cardiac electrophysiology research, specifically with an expertise in large animal cardiovascular research such as: open chest electrophysiological procedures, creation of large animal models of atrial fibrillation, gene therapy procedures, trans-venous electrophysiological procedures and creation of large animal models of myocardial infarction/heart failure. Responsibilities • Overall organizer/lead for all lab experiments and lab schedules for the Arora lab. • Oversee external lab collaborations while also managing overall project outcomes. • Adhere and ensure all protocols and compliance are followed for lab, safety, staff and animals as the lead. • Preparation and maintenance of all ACUC protocols. • Assist with animal experimentation, including large animal cardiovascular research. • Ensures compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. • May prepare and maintain protocol submissions and revisions. • Perform daily pacemaker interrogations and health checks on dogs. • Maintain and organize veterinary and experimental records. Ensure information on animal health or behavior changes is communicated to veterinary team. • Assist vets with surgeries and procedures. Clean, sterilize and pack surgical instruments. • Help with lab maintenance, ordering of supplies, stocking shelves, clean up. • Perform basic lab technique (making of buffers, pipetting, immunoblots, PCR, microscopy). • Performing experiments for specific projects. Record findings/results. • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research projects. • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents. • Develops SOWs, project charters, and project plans • Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan. • Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree. Preferred Competencies • Excellent communication skills, orally and written. • Create and deliver presentations. • Develop and manage interpersonal relationships. • Maintain a high level of alertness. • Ability to multi-task successfully. • Prioritize work appropriately and meet deadlines. • Work autonomously, effectively, and collegially. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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