Program Manager

About the Job

Position Overview

This Program Manager position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS Lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Meghan Swanson, PhD and Jed Elison, PhD are co-Directors, and Casey Burrows, PhD, LP is the Director of Clinical Training. The successful candidate will act as a key partner to the lab Directors and work closely with other senior staff members to oversee and track overall operational strategic vision, lab management, and staffing policies. The successful candidate will establish and maintain compliance for a portfolio of research projects, currently scoped at four federal research grants.

The lab focuses on understanding brain and behavioral development of infants and young children including typically developing children, autistic children, children with agenesis of the corpus callosum, infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and children with Down syndrome. We work with these children and their families using multiple study designs (e.g., longitudinal studies, remote studies) and varied data sources (e.g., clinical assessments, MRI, eye-tracking, home language recordings, medical records). The lab, while housed at MIDB, bridges across multiple departments (Pediatrics, Institute of Child Development), utilizes shared resources at MIDB and Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), and engages with Fairview and other outside entities. This is a full-time, in-person position with limited opportunity for remote work, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work hours will primarily be 9am - 5pm, but limited night and weekend hours are possible. To learn more about the CNS lab and current studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/cns-lab.

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 CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components of the application are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until the posting is removed. This Program Manager position will report directly to Dr. Meghan Swanson and Dr. Jed Elison.

Job Responsibilities

Research Portfolio Management (50%)

• Supervise research coordinators in study execution and protocol adherence
• Support research project coordinators in achieving the clinical training goals set with the clinical supervisor
• Oversee and ensure regulatory compliance: lead IRB submissions/modifications, data use agreements, security reviews, study audits, and adherence to University policies, procedures and regulations
• Prepare drafts of grant progress reports
• Coordinate external contracted services (e.g., MIDB Hubs, CTSI)
• Partner with departmental accountants to monitor budgets, track project expenses, manage invoicing, and oversee purchasing
• Maintain continuity and study momentum during periods of staff transition
• Communicate with departmental financial staff to assist in projecting and monitoring project expenses
• Oversee individual research project invoicing, expenses, and UMarket purchases

Personnel and Human Resources Management (20%)

• For assigned portfolios, manage hiring, onboarding, offboarding, and effort allocations
• Supervise direct reports, conduct annual performance reviews, maintain HR documentation, and facilitate bidirectional feedback between staff and directors
• For direct reports, organize annual employee reviews and prepare written and verbal reviews
• Organize annual employee review and trainee review meetings and support directors with reviews as needed
• Maintain employment documentation for members of the lab that includes but is not limited to: reclassifications, training records, feedback documentation, corrective actions, employment milestones, etc.
• Oversee undergraduate research assistant (UGRA) hiring, training, and course credit workflows
• Supervise and train research staff, undergraduates, and trainees on policies related to the lab, MIDB, and UMN membership

Lab Operations and Communication (25%)

• Maintain and, where needed, develop lab documentation, including lab policies and documentation for common study procedures, staffing, and grant management
• Manage the maintenance of lab spaces, testing supplies, data storage, software subscriptions, and shared platform accounts
• Serve as administrative liaison between PIs, academic departments (Pediatrics, ICD), and MIDB facilities
• Lead lab meetings, coordinate lab communications, and manage outreach (e.g., website updates, annual newsletter)
• Support the execution of strategic planning and desired systematic improvements
• Curate and facilitate dissemination of opportunities for professional development
• Support communication and sharing among all research study coordinators to support shared use of space, mutual professional development and adherence to common lab policies and procedures
• Foster collaboration of a diverse team of researchers, including the PIs, Co-Is, staff, and trainees
• Perform other special tasks as requested by the directors

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in professional development to support job responsibilities (e.g. management and leadership training, IRB lunch and learns, MIDB research staff events)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in psychology, child development, neuroscience, public health, business administration or a related field, plus 6 years or more of research experience as study coordinator (or equivalent), or advanced degree plus at least 4 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated detail-orientation with exceptional organizational, planning and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as a part of a team and with changing priorities
• Experience as a supervisor or manager
• Experience with internal regulations (IRB) and other regulatory requirements
• Experience with budgeting and financial forecasting for research projects
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Demonstrated/documented record of advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and computerized data management
• Demonstrated/documented record of advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain deadlines and prioritize assignments
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in psychology, child development, neuroscience, public health, business administration or related fields
• Experience with university regulations, policies, Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), managing clinical trials, and general best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants
• Experience working with young children and families in the context of research or clinical services
• Experience in training and supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools)
• Experience with multi-site regulatory processes and requirements
• Experience with REDCap, Qualtrics, EPIC and/or Pearson (Q-Global/Q-Interactive)
• Experience working at the University of Minnesota, especially in the Health Care Component, and familiarity with HST and HCC specific policies related to research

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000 - $93,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 nations 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.