Research Project Manager

Job Title
Research Project Manager

Requisition Number
RE54784

Working Title
Research Project Manager

Department Name
7H800:PSYCHIATRY

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
46

Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

4 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for this position include:
-regularly sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods with repetitive motion (such as typing)
-walking including pushing, pulling, and/or lifting up to 10 lbs
-occasional pushing, pulling, and/or lifting objects up to 25 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with occasional evenings and weekends based upon priority project needs and deliverables.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry seeks a Research Project Manager for a substance use and mental health clinical trial in the Department of Psychiatry. The two-year study focuses on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults with co-occurring opioid use and depression. The project addresses one of Kentucky’s most pressing public health challenges.

This individual will provide project management and operational leadership under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI; Dr. Gopalkumar Rakesh) and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Responsibilities include planning and implementing the study protocol across recruitment clinics; coordinating participant screening, enrollment, and retention; managing and monitoring REDCap data collection for all study visits; monitoring study-related budget items; managing regulatory planning and IRB compliance under PI supervision; and coordinating study tasks with other team members. The Project Manager will also support development of study abstracts, manuscripts, and funder reports and other tasks related to the project as determined by the PI.

The ideal candidate will exhibit attention to detail, strong organizational and project management skills, experience working with vulnerable clinical populations, the ability to problem-solve complex situations, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Prior research experience is required, including a strong research coordination or project management track record; experience in behavioral health or substance us disorders is preferred.

The position will require regular, full-time, in-person work in Lexington, KY, with occasional evening work, depending on study visit schedules and participant availability. This position will be located in the Department of Psychiatry’s research department, which is located near the Hamburg area of Lexington at 245 Fountain Ct., Lexington, KY, 40509. This off-campus location provides free onsite parking for employees and research subjects as well as the Department of Psychiatry’s ambulatory clinic, primary care/urgent care clinic and a retail pharmacy that is accessible by patients, research subjects and employees.

This position is fully grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding and satisfactory performance. Position duration will coincide with the length of the grant unless additional funding becomes available

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Excellent Microsoft Office skills including Teams; ability to troubleshoot basic software issues within Microsoft Office products; above average computer skills; project management skills and tracking of deadlines and project progress

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
06/18/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.