Research Projects Manager

Job Summary

The Research Projects Manager provides centralized planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight for multiple concurrent research studies within the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Division, Department of Radiology. The role provides operational leadership across the full project lifecycle (start-up to close-out), including protocol and documentation development, ethics/regulatory coordination, resource planning, budget monitoring, data and quality oversight, and support for grant and contract applications. Working with considerable independence, the incumbent applies sound judgment to ensure research activities are delivered to approved protocols, timelines, and institutional requirements, while supporting sustainable growth of the MSK research portfolio (e.g., ultrasound, dual-energy CT (DECT), and other advanced imaging initiatives).

Organizational Status

The position reports to the Research Division Head of MSK, Department of Radiology. The Research Projects Manager works in close collaboration with Principal Investigators faculty members, fellows, and staff within the Department of Radiology, as well as research database management and statistical personnel. The role also involves regular interaction with co-investigators and research staff at local, national, and international collaborating institutions, and with external partners including the University–Industry Liaison Office (UILO), Research Ethics Boards, and granting agencies.

Work Performed

Research Operations and Program Management

• Provides centralized operational coordination for multiple concurrent MSK research studies.

• Develops and maintains integrated project work plans, timelines, milestones, and study tracking tools from start-up through completion.

• Establishes priorities and coordinates resources (staffing, space, equipment, infrastructure) to meet approved research objectives.

• Identifies operational risks and issues; proposes practical solutions and escalates to PIs/Division leadership as appropriate.

• Leads or supports study start-up activities (site readiness, documentation completion, investigator/staff coordination).

Study Start-Up, Coordination & Documentation

• Coordinates study logistics, timelines, procedures, and communications in consultation with PIs and study teams.

• Develops, maintains, and revises study documentation, including protocols, case report forms, study manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Plans and coordinates study meetings, investigator meetings, and teleconferences; prepares agendas, materials, and action tracking.

• Supports collaboration arrangements, including coordinating sub-site documentation and processes in partnership with UILO and collaborators.

Proposal Development, Research Ethics and Knowledge Translation Support

• Works with PIs to identify and track relevant funding and award opportunities aligned with the MSK research agenda (e.g., CIHR, NSERC, CFI, and other programs).

• Responsible for development of letters of intent and full submissions for team, network, and program grants.

• Drafts, edits, and formats substantive sections of grant and academic proposals, translating scientific concepts into clear and coherent written materials for target audiences.

• Coordinates required application components (budgets, CVs, support letters, institutional information, research environment details, and supporting statistics).

• Develops and maintains procedures, templates, and file management systems for proposals and related documentation; coordinates internal review workflows for grants and ethics applications.

• Coordinates ethics submissions, renewals, amendments, and responses with UBC/VGH Research Ethics Boards; maintains ethics documentation and approvals.

• Advises and supports study teams on applicable regulatory, institutional, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements for research conduct.

• Implements quality practices to support protocol adherence and data integrity (e.g., documentation controls, training reminders, version control, audit readiness).

• Ensures accurate, confidential handling of research records and participant information in alignment with institutional policies.

• Supports dissemination activities by coordinating inputs and contributing to drafts for abstracts, posters, manuscripts, and presentations; supports communication of progress/outcomes through appropriate academic and institutional channels.

• Oversees operational tracking of recruitment/enrollment and overall study progress; ensures study status reporting is accurate and up to date.

• Coordinates with data management and statistical personnel to support data cleaning, analysis workflows, and interpretation discussions.

• Provides operational and methodological input to PIs on study implementation and feasibility considerations.

Financial Management and People Support

• Develops and administers study and/or project budgets in accordance with institutional policies and funder requirements.

• Monitors expenditures and resource utilization; identifies financial risks and recommends mitigation strategies to PIs/Division leadership.

• Supports development of budgets for grant and contract applications and assists with budget-related negotiations in collaboration with internal/external partners, as required.

• Provides day-to-day supervision, training and mentorship to research staff, trainees, and students as assigned.

• Conducts or contributes to performance check-ins/evaluations; supports goal setting, workload planning, and professional development for supervised staff.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Projects Manager exercises independent judgment in the coordination and execution of research activities and is accountable for ensuring that studies are conducted in an ethical, accurate, and timely manner. Errors or omissions may result in delays to research outcomes, non-compliance with regulatory or funding requirements, or reputational risk to the institution. All activities involving participants are accountable to the Principal Investigator, the Department Head and the Project Manager’s governing professional organization.

Supervision Received

Works with considerable autonomy. Direction is provided by the Principal Investigators and Research Division Head, with regular review of progress and outcomes

Supervision Given

Provides functional and operational supervision to research staff, fellows, residents, and students participating in the student work programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-site clinical research studies

• Experience working in an academic health sciences or hospital-based research environment

• SOCRA (CCRP) certification preferred

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage complex research activities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, trainees, and external partners

• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision,

• exercise initiative, and manage competing priorities