Research Program Director

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department Psychiatry - Research-412250 Career Area Accounting/Finance/Auditing Posting Open Date 07/16/2026 Application Deadline 07/30/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Research Program Director Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20077382 Vacancy ID NF0009896 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $105,000 - $115,000 Proposed Start Date 08/17/2026

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

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Program Director for their Department of Psychiatry. This position will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the department's research administration enterprise across the full sponsored project lifecycle. This position will manage pre-award and post-award administration, research compliance coordination, faculty support services, financial stewardship, and research operations for a complex portfolio of federal, state, foundation, industry, and internal funding sources.

This position will serve as a key advisor to departmental leadership and faculty investigators on sponsored programs administration, research strategy, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and institutional policy. The position is responsible for building and maintaining effective systems, and processes that support a high-volume research environment aligned with university, sponsor, and governmental requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• 10 years of experience in research administration, sponsored programs administration, or research operations in a university, academic medical center, research institute, or comparable environment is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex sponsored research portfolios, including federal funding.
• Supervisory or management experience required.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research, including Uniform Guidance and agency-specific requirements.
• Demonstrated financial management and analytical skills required.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational, and interpersonal skills are a must.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience in a public research university environment.
• Experience supporting department with large research portfolio.
• Familiarity with UNC research administration and financial systems.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322520

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Ammie Senn, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email ammie_senn@med.unc.edu 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 employment@unc.edu

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 is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.

• Bachelor's degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field

• Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline

• Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field

• Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline

• None of the above

• • Do you have experience with Uniform Guidance or the Federal Acquisition Regulations?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have previous supervisory experience in a research administration setting?

• Yes

• No

• • What experience do you have with accounting and financial management and/or grants management?

(Open Ended Question)